E241 

. B9 S92 

Copy 2 












.o.^'\.^^je^'. % ^, 









^"V, 



.0- 



•^^ 



^^ <^ 



^^ 



v^. 



Digitized by the Internet Archive;. -5^ c° 
""-^ 6* in 2010 with funding from ^^ o^ 

.TJieTjJs'cary^of Congress .^^ °^ 



%<v 









.0 



http://www.archive.org/details/notestohissketchOOswet '. 



^" -^ ,^ V 



^'\ 







-"^^^^ 



^^.^^ 



Y' vS>- -^ -~f ->- * fi.^ 0\ o 




C: \.^ :m^\ ^^ ^aS: %.^ -^ 




_-^ .. 'l^ aV -^^ 



// 



HISTORY 



OP 



asmwifefr ^111 ainWf. 



FLAN. 



BY S. SWETT. 



^rcontr 3Strftion. 

MUCH ENLAHGEl) WITH NEW INFORMATION DERIVED FROM THE SURVI- 
VING SOLDIERS PRESENT AT THE CELEBRATION ON 

THZ: 17TH JUSfB DiAST, 

AND NOTES. 



BOSTON : 

MUNROE AND FRAXCIS, 128 WASHINGTON-STREET 

f 826. 






DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO WIT : 

District Ckrkh Office. 

BE it remembered, that on the ninth day of Septemher, A.D. 1818, in the forty-third year of 
the Independence of the United States of Amo-ica, Samuel Swett of the said District, has 
deposited in this Office the title of a book, the right whereof be claims as Author, in the words 
following, to wit : 

Historical and topographieal Sketch of Bunker Hill Battle, with a plan. By S. Swett. 

In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, " An act for the 
encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts and books, to the authors 
and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned :" and also to an act, 
entitled, " An act supplementary to an act, entitled an act for the encouragement of learning, 
by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors anti proprietors of such 
cc^ies during the times therein mentioned ; and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of 
desienuig, engraving and etching, historical and other prints." 

* JOHN W. DAVIS, 

Qlerk of the District of Massachusetts. 



PRELIMINARY CHAPTER. 



PREBLE,* Ward, Poraeroy, Thomas, Heath, and Whit- 
comb, were appointed by the Mass. Congress generals of the 
militia, some detachments of which, having defeated the ene- 
my at Lexington and driven them into Boston, could no longer 
be retained in quarters. Only five days after the battle, 
Gen. Ward writes Congress, that, unless they furnished him 
with enlisting orders immediately, he should be left entire- 
ly alone. The day before, however, that body had resol- 
ved, that an army of thirty thousand was necessary ; — 
that Massachusetts would raise thirteen thousand six hun- 
of the number ; and that the other New England States 
should have notice given them, and be requested to furnish 
their respective proportions. But the battle of Lexington was 
a beacon fire to the neighbouring states. The hardy yeomen, 
whom rage supplied with arms, did not wait to be summoned 
by the tardy pTrocess of legislation ; they seized their hunting 
pieces, and flew to join their brethren at the scene of danger. 

The Committee of Safety, elected anew by Congress at 
every session, were the real executive of Massachusetts. f 
They were empowered generally to watch over the safety of 
the commonwealth, and advise Congress of such measures as 
they thought beneficial, and expressly commissioned : 

" To assemble such and so many of the Militia and them to 
dispose and place where and detain so long as said Committee 
shall judge necessary, and discharge said Militia when the safe- 
ty of the Colony will admit. And the officers of the said Mi- 



• Father of Cora. Preble, who did not accept. 

t The members were now John Hiftucock and Benjamin Greenleaf, who 
never took their seats ; John Pigeon, and Enoch Freeman, seldom present ; 
and Joseph Warren, chairman, Benjamin Chinch, Benjamin White, Joseph 
Palmer, Abraham Watson, Samuel Holten, Azor Orne, Nathan Cushing;, and 
Richard Devens. — Secretary, Jonathan Hastings. 



t BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 

litia are enjoined to obey the orders and directions of said 
Committee of Safety. And also to direct the army of this 
Colony to be stationed where said Committee of Safety shall 
judge most conducive to the defence and service of this Colo- 
ny, and the general and other officers of the army are request- 
ed to render strict obedience to such orders of said Commit- 
tee ; but Congress have power to control any order of the 
Committee of Safety. Also to nominate persons to Congress 
to be commissioned officers in the army and to give enlisting 
orders to such persons as they think proper. And if any offi- 
cers be ready to be commissioned agreeable to the resolve of 
this Congress during the recess of the same the Committee 
shall fill up and deliver to them commissions to be furnished 
said Committee in blank for that purpose." 

This committee distributed beating or enhsting orders to 
those whom they thought qualified to raise recruits. The num- 
ber of a company was reduced from one hundred to fifty-nine ; 
any one who enhsted this number was entitled to a captain's 
commission ; and he who procured ten companies to serve un- 
der him commanded the regiment. Mass. Congress issued an 
eloquent address to the people, recruits came in with spirit, 
and by the middle of June the New England army of citizen 
soldiers, enhsted for a few months,* amounted to about fifteen 
thousand. 

Of these about ten thousand were of Massachusetts ; anima- 
ted with the same love of liberty which inspired the whole, they 
were the most thoroughly instructed in the rectitude of 
their cause by Otis, who led the forlorn hope of the rev- 
olution, Jno. Adams, Quincy, Hancock, Sam'l Adams, and 
others. They were fighting battles peculiarly their own, in 
defence of their wives, children and homes, and had that war- 
like reputation to support, which they and their fathers ac- 
quired from continued triumphs over ferocious savages, and 
recent success at Nova Scotia and Louisbourg over European 
troops. f 

" Conn, and R. I. to Dec. ; Mass. to Jan. 

t MASS. REGIMENTS AND FIELD OFFICERS. 

from Colonels. Lt. Colonels. Majors. At 

Worcester. Hon.Arteraas Ward. Jonathan Ward. Edw.Barns, Tim. Bigelow. Cambridge. 

Plymouth. Hon. John Thomas. John Bailey. Thos. Mitchell, Jno. Jacobs. I!o.\bury. 

Bristol. Timothy Walker. Nath'l Leonard. Abicl Mitchell. Do. 

Plymouth. Theophilus Cotton. Ichabod Alden. Ebenezer Sprout. Do. 

Worcester. Asa Whitcomb. Josiah Whitney. Ephraim Sawyer. Cambridge. 

Do. Joseph Read. Ebenezer C'lapp. Calvin Smith. Roxbury. 

Essex. John Mansfield. Isr'l Hutchinson. Ezra Putnam-. Cambridge. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 



Mass. Congress, on the 10th May, ordered, a regiment of 
artillery to be raised, it was scarcely organized yet ; the train 
consisted of one six, two brass,* and six iron three-pound can- 
non. Col. Richard Gridley, Lt. Col. Wm. Burbeck, Majors 
David Mason and Scarborough Gridley, were the field offi- 
cers. f 

Rhode-Island had sent a regiment to Massachusetts imbued 
with the determined spirit of civil and religious liberty, which 
the founder of their state maintained through every peril. 
Colonel Green was their commander, one of the most prom- 
ising heroes of the revolution. The elements of a soldier were 
so mixed in him, that his elevated rank among distinguished 
warriors was already anticipated. Under him were Lieut. Col. 
Olny and Maj. Box, J an experienced English soldier. An 
artillery company with four field-pieces was attached to the 
corps. 

The hardy yeomanry of New Hampshire, beneath whose 
strokes the lofty forests and their savage inhabitants had been 
Ifii^elled with the dust, who had been used to little control but 



From 



Colonels. 



Lt. Colonels. 


Majors. 


At 


Wm. Sheppard. 


David Leonard. 


Roxbury. 


John Robinson. 


Henry Wood. 


Cambridge. 


James Brickett. 


Thomas Poor. 


Do. 


Moses Parker. 


John Brooks. 


Do. 


Seth Read. 


Jeremiah Cady. 


Do. 


Johnson Moulton, 


. Daniel Wood. 


Do. 


Danfortb Keyes. 


Jonathan Holman. 


Pioxbury. 


William Bond. 


Michael Jackson. 


Cambridge- 


Thomas Nixon. 


John Butterick. 


Do. 


Nathan Eager. 


Benjamin Tapper. 


Roxbury. 


Benj'n Holden. 


Willard Moore. 


Cambridge. 


Wm.Buckminster. Nathaniel Cudvvorth. 


Do. 


Rufus Putnam. 


Nathaniel DanielsoH. 


Roxbury. 


John Graten. 


Jotham Loriug, Jos. Vose. 


Do. 


Abijah Brown. 


William Stacey. 


Cambr. 


John Gerry. 


Gabriel Johonnot. 


Marblehead. 


Isaac Smith. 


James Collins. 


Cambr. 


Loammi Baldwin 


. James Weston. 


Do. Milden 
ii. Chelsea. 



Wor.&Ham. Timothy Danielson. 
Middlesex. William Prescott. 
Essex. James Frye. 

Middlesex. Ebenezer Bridge. 
Berkshire. John Patterson. 
Maine. James Scamman. 

Wor.&Berk. Ebenezer Learned. 
Middlesex. Thomas Gardner. 
Do. St Wor. John Nixon. 
Ham.&Berk. John Fellows. 
Worcester. Ephraim Doolittle. 
Do. & Middl. Jonathan Brewer. 
Do. h do. David Brewer. 
Suffolk. Hon. William Heath 

Hampshire. Benj.R.Woodbridge 
Essex. John Glover. 

Do. Moses Little. 

Do. tMidd. Samuel Gerrish. 



A number of companies, belonging to regiments at Roxbury, were at Braintree, Wey- 
mouth, Hingbam, and other parts of Plymouth county. 

* The Hancock and Adams, so adroitly taken by stratagem from a British 
guard in Boston. Tiie two other pieces, taken near the same time and carri- 
ed to Roxbury, were doubtless in Gen. Thomas' camp. 

Trpv,-f> 

t Capts. Callender, Burbeck, Ti'OiCQlij Pierce, Chadwick, Gridley, Popkip, 
Crafts, Foster, and Badlam. 



^ Appointed Brig. Maj. by Washington. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 



what the God ol" Nature imposed, were moved with indignation 
at approaching tyranny. They flocked as vokmteers to the 
neighbourhood of Boston, and chose Col. Stark, Lieut. Col. 
Wyman, and Maj. M'Clary their leaders. Their colonel was 
worthy to command this formidable band ; he had been a dis- 
tinguished captain of Provincial Rangers received into the ser- 
vice of the crown, was at Quebec under Gen. Wolfe, and en- 
joyed half pay as a British officer, an offering he made with 
other sacrifices for the good of his country. — Their major also 
was a favourite officer. Nearly six feet and a half in height, 
with a Herculean form in perfect proportions, a voice like 
Stentor, and strength of Ajax ; ever unequalled in athletic 
exercises, and unsubdued in single combat, whole bodies of 
men had been overcome by him, and he seemed totally uncon- 
scious that he was not equally unconquerable at the cannon's 
mouth. His mind and character were of the same grand and 
energetic cast with his person ; and though deficient in the ad- 
vantages of finished education, he had been a member of the 
state legislature, and his mercantile concerns were extensive. 

Colonel Sargent, driven from Massachusetts by the en- 
mity of Governor Hutchinson, resorted to Amherst, and 
and brought a small regiment from that part of New Hamp- 
shire.* And, on 15th June, another small regiment from New 
Hampsln're, arrived under Col. Reed, Lieut. Col. Gilman, and 
Maj. Hale. 

Republican Connecticut, the secure asylum of the regicide 
judges, was behind none of the provinces in determined hostili- 
ty to Britain, for not only civil but rehgious liberty, paramount 
with her to all earthly considerations, was in danger. In her 
vocabulary the British were the Philistines, and Putnam, the 
Ameiican Samson, f a chosen instrument to defeat the foe ; 
and fortunately she inspired her confidence into all her sister 
states. With her usual sagacity, however, this province, not- 
withstanding a confident reliance on supernatural aid, employed 
all human means to secure it. Her State constitution and es- 
tablishments were unchanged, her troops the best armed, dis- 
ciplined, and provisioned, in the army. 



- Col Sargent's Lett. 

So completely had almost every tiicunistance relative to Ihe battle been 
permitted to sink into oblivion, that the author coulti nut in 1818 discover to 
what provinco this whole rrgiinsnt belonged, but presiimed to A1ap*achusetts, 
whiMT the Col. did ; what renders it more striking. Gen. Dearborn, of tlie N.H. 
troops, seems to have forg^otten it ; he mentions two other reginicnts only as 
coming' from New Hampshire. 

f N. E Chron. Anj:. '75. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 7 

On the first news of the battle of Lexington, Putnam mount- 
ed his horse, rode night and day till he arrived at Cambridge, 
and attended a Council of War on the 21st April, when the 
parole was Putnam.* His troops soon followed him ; Storrs 
was Lieut. Col. and Durkee, who had served with him through 
the whole war of '56, with distinguished reputation, the Maj. 
of his regiment. Brig. Gen. Spencer, Lieut. Col. Willis, and 
Maj. Mayo, Col. Waterbury and Col. Parsons came also with 
the Connecticut troops, in all about three thousand. Capt. 
Coit, who had lost an eye, was next to M'Clary in stature and 
intrepidity ; he commanded an independent company of New- 
London mariners, and Chester another independent company 
from Weathersfield, the elite corps of the army. As such it 
was selected, on the 6th June, to escort Gen. Putnam and 
Warren, President of Congress, to Charlestown, on the ex- 
change of prisoners with the British. 

The scene of their meeting was hallowed by the flag of truce 
which waved over it, and sacred to the rites of hospitahty and 
friendship. The officers on both sides were personal friends, 
though arrayed against each other in pubhc hostility. Between 
Putnam and the British officers, especially, these ties had been 
cemented by the mutual perils and intimate associations of the 
camp, during the long war of '56, and their present opposition 
served only to make their affection glow with a more genial 
warmth. These rugged sons of Mars, from the impulse of 
feehng, rushed into each others' arms ; bravery proved its 
natural alhance with the finer feelings of the human heart ; 
the fell spirit of civil war was softened. The British were en- 
tertained by Putnam and Warren as their guests. 

The army was under the command of Artemas Ward, com- 
missioned the 2 1st of May, as general and commander in chief 
of the Massachusetts forces. His general orders were copied 
and obeyed by all the troops in Massachusetts to whatever 
Province they^ belonged, and the officers were ordered on 
courts martial, and the usual routine of duty without any dis- 
tinction whatever.* Mass. Congress also resolved, on the 
23d of May, that a Lieut. Gen., two Maj. Gens., four Brig., two 
Adj. and two Qr. Mr. Gens, should be appointed. 

Gen. Ward was a gentleman of liberal education, vigorous 
understanding and distinguished probity. He had been a mem- 
ber of the council, speaker of the assembly, and chief justice of 
one of the courts in Massachusetts. He professed the rigid 



Ord. Book 



O BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 

tenets ol New England religion, and his rank and character 
commanded an extensive influence in the country. He had 
also served with reputation in the war of '56, was a lieut. col. 
at the storming of Ticonderoga, imder Gen. Abercrombie, and 
soon after commanded the regiment. He had also been a 
Col. of militia, an office from which Gov. Hutchinson reheved 
him on account of his being too true a patriot. 

Gen. Thomas received the appointment of Lieut. Gen. which 
he accepted the 27th of May. As a gentleman of honor, supe- 
rior talents and education, a pure patriot, a gallant, enterprizing 
soldider, his character commanded universal confidence. He 
had served in the former war with reputation, and already dis- 
tinguished himself in this. Being in command at Roxbury 
with a feeble force, Gen. Gage had determined to drive him 
from that important post. But his vigilance detected the de- 
sign, and by a ruse de guerre he defeated it, manoeuvring his 
troops in sight of the enemy, he gave them the appearance of 
much greater numbers than he possessed, and the enemy re- 
linquished the enterprize.* 

The veteran Gen. Pomeroy of Northampton continued with 
the new levied troops under his old commission, not having yet 
received a new appointment, and assisted in organizing the 
army. He was a hardy intrepid adventurous soldier, a keen 
and celebrated hunter, an honest, open hearted man. He had 
acquired a distinguished reputation in the war of '56, when 
military fame was the reward of individual prowess and pri- 
vate enterprise, and left the service a laurelled captain of Pro- 
vincials. He commanded a company under Sir William John- 
son in the celebrated engagement when the French and In- 
dians, under the Baron Dieskau, were defeated. To our cap- 
tain the honor of having slain the Baron was awarded over 
rival claims, and the baron's watch w^as bestowed on him as a 
trophy to be transmitted with his fame to posterity. f He was 
in fact the natural military chieftain of his neighbourhood, and 
may well be styled the Putnam of Connecticut river. 

Gen. Whitcomb bore a close resemblance in history and 
character to Pomeroy. He appeared with the militia at Lex- 
ington battle, but was too old for service. He received the 
appointment of Muster Master, with Col. Benjamin, and on 
12th June of Maj. Gen. which he declined. 

On the 14th of June, Joseph Warren J was elected a major 
general of Massachusetts. In his character the heroism of an- 

* Gordon. 

t It is yet retained in his family. 

i " Un des ces hommes, dont la nature est avare." 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. }) 

tiquity combined with the romaiilic chivalry of the middle ages. 
An accomplished scholar ; gifted with distinguished genius, 
his mind was stored with the treasures of classic erudition. A 
model as an orator ; ardent, elegant, and impressive, selected 
twice to address his fellow citizens in public, his eloquence 
burst asunder those strong ties by which nature bound them 
to the mother country. A patriot, pure and without reproach ; 
his favourite maxim was " Dulce et decorum est pro patria 
mori." An eminent physician ; his superb character soared 
far beyond the narrow limits of his profession. In person 
handsome, in manners elegant and accomplished, he was the 
favorite of the drawing room, and quahfied to shine in the 
highest circles of fashion. But the cause of liberty, of his 
country, and mankind, summoned him to a destiny by far more 
exalted. Chairman of the Committee of Safety, and Presi- 
dent of the Provincial Congress, he remembered that, in the 
simplicity of ancient republics, the most distinguished legisla- 
tors were also the most devoted warriors. As a volunteer 
he accompanied Gen. Putnam to one of the islands, where, in a 
a warm engagement, the enemy were defeated and one of 
their vessels destroyed ;* and his head had been grazed by a 
ball from the enemy at the batde of Lexington. 

Gen. Ward's quarters were at Cambridge, with about 8,000 
Massachusetts troops, and 1000 from Connecticut. The latter, 
with Sargent's and Patterson's regiments, were under the im- 
mediate command of Gen. Putnam, in a central and advanced 
position near Inman's farm, where the enemy landed previous 
to the battle of Lexington. Some shght breastworks were 
thrown up by these troops, and a considerable redoubt erected 
near the Charlestown road, a mile and a half from Cambridge, 
where Col. Patterson's regiment was stationed. Four compa- 
nies of artillery with, and one without field pieces, were also at 
Cambridge. 

The right wing of the army, consisting of about 2000 Mas- 
sachusetts, 2000 Connecticut, and 1000 R. L troops, was at 
Roxbury, under command of Lieut. Gen. Thomas, who had 
with him three or four companies of artillery, with small field 
pieces, and one or two large caimon. He extended a portion 
of his troops towards the seaboard in Dorchester. 

At Medford were about one thousand New Hampshire troops 
under Colonels Reed and Stark, and a detachment of the same 



Putnam headed liis mon on this attack up to his middle in miul and water. 

,\. H. ficz. Jnc. '75 



lU BbWKEB UILL BATTLi;. 

troops with three companies of Gerrish's regiment at Chelsea, 
tbrniing the left wing of the army. A large guard, part of Lit- 
tle's and other regiments, were stationed at Lechmere point, 
on the evening of IGtli June. 

All these troops were hardy, brave, and athletic. Almost 
every soldier would rival Tell as a marksman, and aim bis 
weapon at an oppressor with as keen a relish. Those from 
the frontier had gained this address against the savages and 
beasts of the forest ; the country abounded with game, all were 
familiar with hunting ; and the amusement universal through- 
out New England was the trial of skill with the musket. These 
troops were also religious, and their respect for the opinions of 
the clergy unbounded. But the religion of their clergy was 
republican in its nature ; they had the most hvely antipathy to 
church establishments, and dread of royal oppression. To 
avoid the expense of chaplains, the clergy in the neighbour- 
hood of the camp were invited by Congress to perform divine 
service, thirteen of them every sabbath ; a request they 
punctually complied with. Three or four chaplains, however, 
were attached to the army,* and prayed with the troops every 
morning on the common. 

The confidence of the army in their o/licers was implicit and, 
as it appears from the characters already described, richly merit- 
ed. But, besides their superior officers, many of the subordi- 
nate officers and privates had served in the army in the war of 
'45 or of '56. 

Their confidence was at present elevated to an excess by 
the recent and unexpected conquests, which their arms had 
accomplished. Besides the victory at Lexington, and success- 
ful skirmishes in the neighbourhood of Boston, they had just 
learned, that Arnold, f who had received a colonel's commis- 
sion and troops from the Committee of Safety of Massachu- 
chusetts, had, in alliance with other New England forces, 
achieved the important conquest of Crown Point and Ti- 
conderoga. These troops were also sensible that they were 
fighting in their own cause, and were exalted into heroes by 
an ardent love of liberty, a maddening, indignant sense of op- 
pression. This indignation burned with new fury from a re- 
cent proclamation of Gov. Gage, denouncing them all as rebels, 



* Rev. Jos. Thaxter of Edgartown was one of them, who made an audible 
and eloquent prayer before an assembly of 20,000 at the celebration on 17. 
June last. 

t Arnold came to Cambridge immediately after Lexington battle with an 
independent Conn, company, and offered his services for any dangerous en- 
terprize, to the Com. of Safety. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 11 

and especially the proscribed patriots Hancock and Adams, 
their abettors, adherents, and associates. 

Excepting these characteristics, however, they were defi- 
cient in almost every important requisite of an army. Their 
arms were wretchedly defective, and the bayonet almost uni- 
versally wanting. They were strangers to discipline and al- 
most to subordination. Though nominally organized into regi- 
ments, these were deficient in numbers, many of them only skele- 
tons, and their respective ranks not ascertained. Some of 
these troops were yet serving as minutemen,* and the officers 
in a number of regiments were not commissioned. Tents were 
not provided, the commissariat, quarter-master's department, 
and staff were yet unorganized. f The several towns sent suf- 
ficient provisions to their troops, but with irregularity and 
waste. 

Col. Gridley was appointed chief, and Wm. Burbeck second 
engineer ; but the latter was attached to the ordnance depart- 
ment, and Gridley had no assistant engineers. It was impos- 
sible for him to supply this defect, and he was almost too old 
for service ; but, if mihtary science, skill, and experience could 
have overcome these difficulties, there was not an officer in 
America more capable of accomplishing it. 

He was born in Boston, 1711, and brother of J. Gridley. 
" tlie giant of the law." Uncommon genius, improved by su- 
perior education, prepared him for an elevated standing. Apt 
and learned in every branch of mathematics ; of romantic 
honor, chivalrous ambition, <jnd adventurous bravery, nature 
made him a soldier ; and art could not make him a merchant. 
The attempt was relinquished, and, like Washington, he em- 
ployed himself as a practical surveyor and civil engineer. Af- 
ter the decease of his brother, who held the office, he was elected 
Grand Master of Masons. Military science he studied with 
enthusiasm and acquired with facility, and in '45 he commen- 
ced his military career. 

Massachusetts raised an army of three thousand two hun- 
dred men. New Hampshire added three and Connecticut five 



* Minute men were raised, by advice of a meeting of Boston patriots, as 
early as '72, and 29 Oct. '74 Mass. Congress enjoin on the militia to choose 
company officers, these field officers, the latter to enlist i at least of their 
respective companies, and form into companies of not less than 50, who shall 
equip and he prepared at the shortest notice, officer themselves in the manoer 
of the militia, the company officers to form battalions of 9 companies. 

t John Pigeon was appointed Commissary ; no deputies were appointed 
till I.July. The first Adj. Gen appointed was Wm. Henshaw on the 27th June. 
Sam'l Brewer was Adj. Gen. to Thomns. 



12 BtJNklbR HILL BATTLE. 

hundred, to conquer the Island of Cape Breton. In this army 
he received tlie appointment of engineer and commander of the 
artillery. Under the instruction of Bastide, a distinguished 
engineer, he became at once an adept in his profession, and, 
hke Archimedes, acquired celebrity in the war of sieges. With 
scientific accuracy he pointed the mortar which, on the third 
fire, threw a shell into the citadel of Louisbourg, one grand 
cause of its surrender, and the conquest of Cape Breton. He 
was rewarded by a captaincy in Gov. Shirley's regiment on 
the British establishment ; peace left him on half pay, and in 
'52 he attended the governor to the Kennebeck, and erected 
forts Western and Halifax. 

In '55 he again entered the service as chief engineer and 
colonel of infantry. In '56 he was commander of the provin- 
cial artillery, under Gen. Winslow, in the expedition against 
Crown Point, and proceeded to Lake George, where he erect- 
ed fortifications. In '57 he sailed for Halifax, intended for 
Louisbourg, but the expedition was arrested by the French 
fleet. In '5S he revisited his earliest field of glory, and was at' 
the second taking of Louisbourg, under Gen. Amherst. He 
had the superintendence of the ordnance stores, and was so 
distinguished in the siege, as were all the New England troops, 
that the general tendered him the valuable furniture of the 
governor's house, a present which, from chivalrous delicacy, he 
declined. 

At the siege of Quebec, he enjoyed the distinguished honor 
of commanding the provincial artillery under the immortal 
Wolfe.* Gen. Amherstfounditimpossible to join the expedition; 
notwithstanding which, the audacious commander, seconded by 
Gridley and his other ofiicers, determined to achieve the con- 
quest without him. In tlie glorious battle, which ensued, Grid- 
ley proved himself worthy to fight by his side. Gridley's ser- 
vices were acknowledged and rewarded. The Magdalen 
islands with an extensive seal and cod fishery, and half pay as 
a British officer, were conferred on him. At the commence- 
ment of the revolution his British agent, by order of govern- 
ment, enquired to what party he devoted his services. His 



* With (lie utmost difliculty two pieces only coulsl be raised to the heights 
of Abraham ; the grape shot from these made grtnit liavoc among the enemy. 

Knox's Camp, in Jimcr. 

The respffctnhle intelligent thihlren of Col. Gridley, t'lom whom \ve derived 
most of our information concerning him, stated Irom recollection that he 
cominanded these pieces. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 13 

magnanimous answer was, " he never drew his sword but in 
" the cause of justice, and such he considered to be his coun- 
" try's." His half pay ceased, and the arrears ah'eady due 
he had too much spirit to receive. 

The British army in Boston, at the time of Lexington battle, 
were about four thousand, under Gen. Gage, the governor of 
Massachusetts. He had served with eclat in Europe and 
America, had married an American lady, was popular in the 
country, and disposed to moderate expedients, until he sacri- 
ficed his own judgment to the advice of violent partizans. By 
the last of May, large reinforcements arrived, and the whole 
consisted of the following regiments : the 4th, 5th, 10th, 14tb, 
3 companies of the 18th, 23d, 35th, oSth, 43d, 47th, 52d, 59th, 
63d, 2 companies of the 65th, and the G7th. These amounted to 
about 10,000 troops, under Gens. Gage, Howe, Clinton, Bur- 
goyne, Pigot, Grant, and Robinson, Lords Percy and Rawdon ; 
Col. Abercrombie, Williams, and others ; the most distinguish- 
ed officers and choicest troops of the British empire. The 
52d, Royal Irish, and the 23d or Welsh fusileers,* had been 
the most signalized. There was also a squadron of cavalry, 
for whose use a house of God J was sacrilegiously assumed. 

The light infantry were encamped on the heights of West 
Boston ; there was a strong battery for cannon and mortars on 
Copps Hill, facing Charlestown. and strong lines and batteries 
across the neck on the side of Roxbury ; a battery at the 
northern extremity of the town, another on Fort hill, one at 
Fox hill on the common, where the marines, artillery, and 6lh 
Regt. were encamped, 3 on the western shore of the common 
facing Cambridge, where the Royal Irish were stationed, and 
there were troops at Barton's point. 

The British were equally sanguine, and as confident of suc- 
cess as their enemy, for whom, as soldiers, they entertained a 
sovereign contempt. Tiiis opinion was nourished by their offi- 
cers who had served with those of the Provincials, when they 
were degraded below British officers of similar commissions^ 
and the generals were allowed no rank with those of the mother 
country. They were confirmed in the same opinion from the 
ordinary arms and uncouth dress of the American troops,f 
worn by them unchanged from the plough or the workshop, 



* Prince of Wales's Rcgt. From a tradition that a former Prince had rid- 
den to England on a goat ; one, with gilded horns, was maintained by the 
corps, and they celebrated the anniversary of the feat. 

t Old South. 

t Many soldiers wore leather aprons on parade. 



14 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 

and the want of discipline and subordination which signalized 
their camp. They were also enthusiastic admirers of their 
government and constitution ; king and parliament they consid- 
ered (.uinipotent, and the Americans ungrateful, unnatural rebels, 
on whom they burned to inflict exemplary punishment. 

Their narrow quarters galled their pride ; Burgoyne de- 
clared they would have elbow room, and Gen. Gage proclaimed 
his mortification " that the Americans affected to hold the 
British army besieged." Notwithstanding the superior and in- 
creasing numbers of the foe, they determined to leave the 
town, and take Charlestown and Dorchester heights. The 
busy preparation had commenced to possess themselves of the 
latter on the ISth of June,* but the Americans before that 
provided other occupation for their arms. 

The Americans were impatient to be led against the enemy. 
They were unable to appreciate the necessity of discipline, or 
to understand the unorganized state of the army in every de- 
partment ; but the hardships and expense of service they sore- 
ly realized. Many of the officers were favourable to the wish- 
es of the men. They had been used to the loose service of 
rangers, and could not weigh the requisitions of a regular army, 
and the country was growing dissatisfied with their inaction. 
Gen. Putnam, Col. Prescott, and other veterans, demanded 
that advantage should be taken of this disposition of the men. 
The utility of the frequent and successful skirmishes they had 
already engaged in was immense. They promised themselves 
still higher advantage from an affair more important, but short 
of a general engagement. They knew, that, could the enemy 
be induced to engage a formidable detachment, their inferiority 
with the musket would make them deeply rue any advantage 
they might gain, while it would convert our army into soldiers ; 
and th(}se beneficial results would be doubled, could the Amer- 
icans be covered by intrenchments. Putnam urged his fa- 
vourite maxim, " the Americans are not at all afraid of their 
'' heads, though very much afraid of their legs ; if you cover 
" these they will fight forever." Before the Council of War, 
in continual session, these arguments were under consideration. 

The same momentous question had been debated in the 
Committee of Safety. They received information, from their 
emissaries, that the enemy intended to advance into the coun- 
try, and possess themselves of the commanding heights of 
Charlestown and Dorchester. The necessity of anticipating 
ihcm in a project So fatal to America for the purpose of pre- 

" Baraovne. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 15 

venting their advance into the country, destroying their ship- 
ping, and rendering the town too hot for them w^as strongly 
urged. 

But this course was opposed by formidable, and almost in- 
superable difficulties. The army seemed called on to keep 
themselves rigidly on the defensive till they were better disci- 
plined and prepared for battle ; and what was still more im- 
portant, they had not gunpowder. There were eleven barrels 
only in the public depots, and but sixty seven in Massachusetts. 
These heights completely overlooked the town, and it was im- 
possible for the enemy to suffer the Americans to keep them 
without the most desperate efforts ; and a general engagement. 
This and the cannonade they would be compelled to maintain 
to answer that of the enemy, (for if omitted it would betray their 
secretjdeficiency of powder) were entirely beyond their means. 
Gen. Pomeroy, however, took council of his courage, and with 
unbounded confidence in the skill of his countrymen " would 
" fight the enemy with but five cartridges a piece. He was 
" practised in hunting, and always brought home two, and 
" sometimes three deer, with but three charges of powder ; the 
" men had generally supplied themselves with powder as mili- 
" tia, and the pubhc could easily make good their deficiency." 
To Ward and Warren's objection, that the enterprize would 
lead to a general engagement ; Putnam answered, " we wiJJ 
risk only 2000 men, we will go on with these and defend our- 
selves as long as possible, and, if driven to retreat, we are more 
active than the enemy and every stone wall shall be lined with 
their dead, and at the worst, suppose us surrounded and no re- 
treat, we will set our country an example of which it shall not be 
ashamed, and teach mercenaries what men can do determined 
to live or die free." Warren walked the floor, leaned on his 
chair, " almost thou persuadest me, Gen. Putnam," said he ; 
" but I must still think the project rash ; if you execute it, how- 
ever, you will not be surprised to find me by your side." " I 
hope not," said Putnam, " you are young, and your country 
has much to hope from you in council and the field ; let us who 
are old and can be spared begin the fray, there will be time 
enough for you hereafter, it will not soon be over."* 

To encourage discipline and emulation, and brave the enemy, 
Putnam marched in face of them with all the troops from Cam- 
bridge to Charlestown, about the 10th of June. And about the 
same time, to support the pohcy of engaging the enemy in an 



Oen. Putnam's statement to his son. 



10 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 

affair, he reconnoitred the country with other officers. A po- 
sition perfectly suited to their purpose, which does honour to 
their coup d'oeil and military skill, they found in the fields of 
Charlestovvn, and examined minutely.* 

By the direction of Gen. Ward, Col. Gridley and Col. Hen- 
shaw, accompanied by Mr. Devens, had examined this part of 
the country in May, and reported in favour of fortifying Pros- 
pect Hill first, Bunker Hill next, and lastly Breeds Hill.f 

The settlement of Charlestovvn and the fields are situated on 
a peninsula, with Charles River on the south, and Mystic riv- 
er on the north. It is eleven hundred yards across Irom north 
to south, and one mile forty three rods in length from east to 
west, at which extremity the two rivers approach each other, 
and form a neck of land but one hundred and thirty yards over. 
Breed's Hill, 62 feet high, is long, the eastern end rather steep, 
the western sinking gradually ; the south side is very steep, and 
at the bottom of it was Charlestown. The north side is steep, 
and protected at the bottom by a small impassable slough ; be- 
yond this, north, is a tongue of land, 20 feet above Mystic River, 
which bounds it on the north. This tongue of land runs east 
parallel with Breed's to within two hundred and fifty yards of 
Morton's Hill. Morton's Hill, 35 feet in height, lies northeast 
from Breed's. The ground between the tongue of land and 
Breed's Hill, and beyond the eastern end of it and Morton's Hill 
was low and marshy. On part of this low land, however, w^ere 
a number of brick kilns, and a sluice way by which the whole 
might be inundated at high tide, which on the 17th June was at 
I past 9. The tongue of land at its Avestern extremity termina- 
tes in Bunker Hill, which on this side has a considerable slope, 
and on all its other sides is exceedingly steep. It is 110 feet 
high, bears northwest from Breed's, which it completely com- 
mands ; their summits being distant from each other one hun- 
dred and thirty rods only. A narrow road ran from the neck 
over Bunker Hill, between the tongue of land and Breed's Hill, 
and entirely round Breed's Hill, approaching very near its 
summit on the south. 

Even the daring enterprise of Warren hesitated at the diffi- 
culties, apparently insurmountable, which opposed our taking 
and maintaining possession of the heights of Charlestown. But 
the Committee of Safety, of which he was chairman, and in 
which he opposed the measure, and the Council of War, adopted 
a different opinion. Like a genuine patriot, his own opinion 



Stephen Codman Esq. antl Col. Putnam. 
t Col. Heiiflifuv. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. t^ 

was forgotten, and he joined lieart and Iiand with his brethren 
to command success. 

On the 15th of June, the Committee of Safety passed tlie 
following votes : 

" Whereas this Committee lately applied to the Hon. the Con- 
gress of this colony, for an augmentation of the army now in 
the vicinity of Boston, and as some circumstances have since 
taken place, which strengthened the arguments then used in 
favour of the said augmentation ; particularly that many of 
the then expected reinforcements for Gen. Gage's arm.y are 
arrived ; that Gen. Gage has issued a very extraordinary pro- 
clamation, in which the inhabitants of Massachusetts are, in the 
most explicit manner, declared rebels ; and various accounts 
have been brought to this Committee of the movements of Gen. 
Gage's army, and that he intends soon to make another attempt to 
penetrate into the country : From the consideration of all 
which premises, together with that of our army, Resolved, that 
the good and welfare of the colony requires that there be an 
immediate augmentation of said army, that such soldiers in the 
army as be destitute of arms be immediately supplied there- 
with, that such regiments of militia as be destitute of officers be 
immediately filled up, in such manner as the Honourable Con- 
gress may direct ; and that all the militia in the colony be or- 
dered to hold themselves in readiness to march, on the short- 
est notice, completely equipped, having thirty rounds of car- 
tridges per man ; all which is earnestly recommended to the 
immediate consideration of the Honourable Congress, now sit- 
ting in Watertown. To which the Committee would beg leave 
to add a general recommendation to the people, to go to meet- 
ing armed on the Lord's day, in order to prevent being thrown 
into confusion." On the same day they passed the following 
vote, which, for secrecy, Vv'as not recorded until the 19th of 
June : — " Whereas it appears of importance to the safety of 
this colony that possession of the hill called Bunker Hill, in 
Charlestown, be securely kept and defended, and also some 
one hill or hills on Dorchester Neck be likewise secured, 
therefore resolved unanimously, that it be recommended to the 
Council of War that the above mentioned Bunker Hill be 
maintained by sufficient force being posted there ; and as the 
particular situation of Dorchester Neck is unknown to this 
Committee, they advise that the Council of War take and pur- 
sue such steps respecting the same, as to them shall appear to 
be for the securitv of thi> cnlonv." On the same day it was 



IS iJLNKER HILIi BATTLE. 

ordered, " thai Captain Benjamin White and Colonel Joseph 
Palmer be a committee to join with the committee from the 
Council of War, to proceed to the Roxbury camp, there to 
consult with the general officers on matters of importance, and 
to communicate to them a resolve this day passed, in this 
Committee, respecting Bunker Hill in Charlestown, and Dor- 
chester Neck." The Provincial Congress prepared an elo- 
quent and energetic answer to Gov. Gage's proclamation, to be 
issued on the 16th of June, in w^hich Gov. Gage and Admiral 
Graves are excepted from the general amnesty, to respond to 
the proscription of Hancock and Adams ; but this paper con- 
test was forgotten in the bloody battle which ensued. 



THE BATTLE. 

ON the 16th of June '75, the sun fell with its full force on the 
American camp,* the earth was parched up, but the vigorous 
frames and patriotic spirit of the soldiers were proof against its 
influence. With the advice of the Council of War, General 
Ward issued orders to Col. William Prescott, Col. Bridge, and 
the commandant of Fiye'sf regiment, to be prepared for an 
expedition, with all their men fit for service, and one day's 
provisions. The same order issued for one hundred and twen- 
ty of Gen. Putnam's regiment, and Capt. Gridley's company 
of artillery with two field pieces. 

With these troops Col. Prescott was ordered to proceed to 
Charlestown in the evening, take possession of Bunker Hill, 
and er€Ct the requisite fortifications to defend it. His orders 
were to be kept profoundly secret, and provisions and refresh- 
ments were to be sent in the morning, with as many more 



* Gen. Ward's camp was the town of Cambridge and vicinity ; the sol- 
diers were quartered in Colleges, and whatever building^s they could find to 
shelter them for a mile or two around, especially the country seats of refu- 
gees. The Episcopal churrli was used for barracks, and the organ pipes 
melted into bullets ; to our ancestors the whizzing of a ball against the enemy 
was more agreeable music than tlic )-rofane strains of a church organ, they 
had quite as little respect for Episcopal churches as the enemy had for puri- 
tanical meeting houses. 

t Col. Frye was ill with gout, Pros, of a Court Martial, and a much older offi- 
cer than Prsscott. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 19 

troops as should be necessary to reinforce him. Three of 
Bridge's companies did not join the detachment, but one or 
two small fatigue parties from other regiments joining, the 
whole amounted to about 1000 men. 

They were assembled early in tlje evening and attended a 
solenm prayer on Cambridge Common, offered up by the Rev. 
President Langdon, of Harvard College. 

Not an officer in the army could have been selected better 
deserving the honor of die appointment, or more able to exe- 
cute the arduous enterprise, tlian Col. Prescott. In this vet- 
eran, age already began to display its ravages ; but the fire of 
his youth was undamped. He was of Pepperell, and early left 
in afSuence by the decease of his father. He soon received a 
commission in the provincial army, and, with many of his neigh- 
bourhood, who enlisted, joined the forces under Gen. Winslow, 
and assisted in the conquest of Nova Scotia. His military 
talents attracted admiration, and he was urged by the British 
officers to accept a commission in the royal army. But ho 
would not consent to be separated from his brave soldiers and 
countrymen, and returned to his estate. The soldiers, who 
had served under him, still continued to consider him their 
head. Like the chief of a feudal clan, he received them all 
with open doors at his hospitable mansion, and in the habits he 
had acquired in camps his property was expended for their 
rehef, comfort, or entertainment, as freely as they were ready 
on every occasion to shed their blood under his command. He 
was now a member of the Mass. Congress. 

His figure was tall and commanding, and his countenance 
grave, ardent, and impressive as his character. With this 
presence, and his formidable sword, he needed no uniform to 
distinguish him as a leader. In a simple cahco frock he head- 
ed the detachment which left camp at dark, and proceeded to 
Charlestovvn. Col. Prescott led the way with two sergeants, 
having dark lanterns open only to the rear, about six paces in 
front of the troops. 

Gen. Putnam, having the principal direction and superinten- 
dence of the expedition, and the chief engineer, Col. Gridley, 
accompanied the detachment. Putnam's eldest son was a 
Capt. under him ; his youngest, only 16 years old, a volunteer, 
tells us, " At sunset my father said to me, ' you will go to 
Mrs. Inman's to-night as usual ; stay there to-morrow, and if 
they find it necessary to leave town, you must go with them.' — 
From this order, and attending circumstances, 1 knew there 
was to be a military movement, in which my father would par- 



20 BDNKEll HILL BATTLE. 

ticipate. My imagination figured him as mangled witii wounds, 
and no one to aid him ; and I earnestly entreated permission 
to accompany him. ' You, dear father,' I said, ' may need my 
assistance much more than Mrs. Inman, pray let me go where 
you are going.' ' No, no, Daniel, do as 1 have bid you,' was 
the reply, which he affected to give sternly, while, his voice 
faltered and his eyes filled, as if entering into my feelings, he 
added, ' You can do little, my son, where I am going, and 
there will be enough to take care of me.' " His son reluctant- 
ly obeyed. 

Profound mystery hung over the object of the expedition 
till they crossed Charlestown neck and found the wagons load- 
ed with intrenching tools, fascines, gabions, and empty 
hogsheads. 

The officers were hastening to order arms to be stacked, 
and the fortifications commenced, when a most serious confu- 
sion arose as to the point to be fortified. None of the heights 
excepting Bunker's were yet distinguished by name, and this 
was expressly designated as the one to be fortified ; though the 
most commanding and defensible position, it was too far from 
the enemy to annoy their army and shipping ; Breed's Hill 
was far better adapted to the important objects of the expedi- 
tion, and better suited the adventurous spirit of the command- 
ing officers. Their most invaluable moments were wasted 
without coming to a conclusion, though the wary and scientific 
engineer again and again urged them to determine at once on 
the ground, or it would be impossible to complete the requisite 
fortifications.* 

Breed's Hill was at length concluded on, and Gridley laid 
out the works immediately with skill which would honor any 
engineer in the highest advance of military science. The re- 
doubt on the summit of the hill was about eight rods square. 
The strongest side, or front, in form of a redan, faced Charles- 
town, protecting the south side of the hill. The eastern side 
commanded a very extensive field, and a breastwork ran in a 
line with it north down to the sloui!;h : between the south end 



■' Gov. Brooks's statement. 

Mass. Congiess, in the hurry of tlip times, say, Breed's Mill was taken by 
mistake. 'I here could be no mistake. Putnam, as w'.> know from his soo 
and Stcpiicn Codman Esq., — and Gridley, as we know from Col. lienshaw, — 
had previously reconnoitred the ground. That Bunker Hill was ordered to be 
fortitiod is certain from Gov. Brooks and the vote copied from the records, of 
Cong, on onr 17tis page. Congress meant to say, delicately, the order to forti- 
fy Bunker Hill was not complied with. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 21 

of the breastwork and the redoubt was a narrow passage way 
or sally port, protected in front by a blind, and an open passage 
way in the north side of the redoubt. It was determined, at 
the same time, that a work should be erected on Bunker Hill 
as a new post and rallying point to resort to, should the enemy 
drive thein from the first, and for the protection of the rear. 

A large guard, Capt. Maxwell and his company, some Con- 
necticut and other troops were detached to the shore of 
Charlestown to observe every movement of the enemy.* 

The works marked out, tools were distributed to the men ; 
but midnight arrived before the first spade entered the ground. f 
These brawny yeomen, however, were working for their lives 
as well as their liberties, and performed prodigies of labour. 
They were instructed and stimulated by Putnam, Prescott, and 
other officers, among whom was Maj. Brooks, distinguished by 
the well deserved confidence of the army. Just entered on 
manhood, he relinquished a lucrative profession, commenced 
his military career at the battle of Lexington, as Maj. of 
Bridge's regiment, and received the same rank in the army. 
He had been called home by sickness in his family, and receiv- 
ed no order to march with his regiment ; but the danger of his 
fellow soldiers was a sufficient summons, and he hastened to 
join his corps, which he overtook at the neck. 

It was clear starlight, and the proximity of the enemy de- 
manded vigilant observation. Col. Prescott proceeded to the 
shore with Maj. Brooks to reconnoitre them. Every thing was 
quiet ; they distinctly heard the enemy relieving guard, and 
were rejoiced at the welcome cry from the sentries, however 
unfounded, " All's well !" 

The men quietly at their labours. Gen. Putnam repaired to 
his camp to prepare for the anticipated crisis, by bringing on 
reinforcements, and to be fresh mounted ; his furious riding re- 
quired a frequent change of horses. 

Watchful as Argus, Prescott could hardly imagine that the 
enemy were so neghgent of military caution, as to suffer his 
powerful force to approach their very threshold unobserved. 
He advanced anew to examine their situation ; again all was 
quiet, and the guard from the shore of Charlestown was or- 
dered in. 

The blazing sun, however, began his approaches, and the 
grey of the morning was dissipated. The veil was lifted 



The countersign this night was " Domingo." 
t Mfiss. Con,'^. 



22 BUNKEK HILL BATTLE. 

from the astonished eyes of the British, but they would hardly 
credit their senses on perceiving their daring enemy above 
them, overlooking their position, witli formidable works, which 
had sprung up as if by enchantment. The cannon of the 
Lively opened on the Americans, and roused their country- 
men from secure repose, to participate in the same surprise 
and astonishment. 

Gen. Gage was thunderstruck at the unwelcome information, 
and sent an immediate summons to his officers to meet him in 
a council of war.* 

Some other frigates, floating batteries, the Somerset line of 
battle ship, a formidable battery of the heaviest pieces, and a 
mortar on Copps Hill, opened a tremendous fire on the Amer- 
icans, sufficient to appal even veteran troops. 

This fire was for some time without effect, but the men ven- 
turing in front of the works, one of them was killed by a can- 
non shot.f A subaltern informed Col. Prescott, and inquired 
of him what should be done. " Bury him," he was told. — 
" What," said the astonished officer, " without prayers !" A 
chaplain, who vi^as present, insisted on performing service over 
this first victim, and collected many of the soldiers around him, 
heedless of peril. Prescott ordered them to disperse ; but re- 
hgious enthusiasm prevailing, the chaplain again collected his 
congregation, when the deceased was ordered to be taken and 
buried in the ditch. At this time a number of the men went 
off and never returned. 

To dispel the terror which this death occasioned, Prescott 
mounted on the works, and directed the labor. Heedless of 
all the fire of the enemy, he was wrought up to the highest 
pilch of enthusiasm, and transferred his own exaltation into ev- 
ery private under him. Owing to the oppressive heat, and the 
vehemence of his address, his bald head was exposed entirely 
uncovered, waving his sword, he sometimes upbraided his men 
in anger, and sometimes encouraged them with approbation and 
humour. Perfectly understanding his countrymen, they were 
entirely under his control ; the great Suwarrow was never more 
negligent of his personal appearance, and never inspired his 
faithful followers with a confidence more implicit or better de- 
served. 

Gen. Gage, reconnoitring the enemy, handed his telescope 
to Willard, a mandamus counsellor, and inquired of him, " who 

* In the old State liouse. 
t Pollard, of Billerica. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 23 

'' is that officer commanding ?" He instantly recognized Ms 
brother-in-law, Col. Prescott. " Will he fight ?" asked Gage. 
" Yes, sir, depend upon it, to the last drop of blood in him, 
" but I cannot answer for his men," was the reply. 

When the patriotic priest found that his professional services 
were out of place, he bravely buckled on the armor of flesh, 
volunteered as a soldier in the ranks, and fought with distin- 
guished bravery.* 

The sufferings of the men were great ; the heat was exces- 
sive ; during a sleepless night they had unremittingly labored, 
without even water, and their small stock of provisions was ex- 
hausted. Their officers felt for them, and wished Col. Pres- 
cott to send to Cambridge a request to be relieved. He con- 
vened a council of war, but instantly crushed the slightest hope 
of a relief. " The enemy would not dare attack them, and if 
" they did would be defeated. The men who had raised the 
" works were the best qualified to defend them. They had al- 
" ready learned to despise the fire of the enemy. They had 
" the merit of the labor, and should enjoy the honor of the 
" victory." With renewed ardor the men continued their 
labors. 

Capt. Nutting with some troops was ordered into Charles- 
town, near the ferry, by Col. Prescott, to guard against the en- 
emy's approach on that side. 

Gen. Gage met his officers in council. They did not hesi- 
tate as to the indispensable necessity of driving the enemy from 
their formidable position, but found it impossible to agree on the 
mode of attack. Gen. Clinton and Gen. Grant advocated at- 
tacking the enemy in rear. " Their men could embark at the 
" bottom of the common in boats, land at Charlestown Neck. 
" under protection of a fire from the floating batteries and fri- 
" gates, and would have the enemy in their power ;" and this 
appeared to be the prevailing opinion. But Gen. Gage would 
not adopt a measure so adventurous. It was perhaps opposed 
to well founded military rules and the dictates of prudence. 
They would have exposed themselves between two armies, one 
of them superior to their own in number, and the other strong- 
ly posted and fortified ; they might have been attacked in front 
and rear, and been completely surrounded indeed, without 
the possibility of a retreat being secured to them in case ol 
disaster. It was finally determined to land and attack the 
enemy in front. 



* Rev. Jno. Martin, see aote H. 



24 TjUXKLR UILL BATTLE. 

At daybreak Putnam directed Lieut. Clark to send to Gen. 
Ward for a horse. The lieut. went himself, hut the general's 
impatience could not await an answer. On his return he found 
him mounted and departing. The summons from the Lively had 
frustrated his intention of carrying on the reinforcement him- 
self ; he reminded Gen. Ward, however, that the fate of the 
expedition depended on his being reinforced immediately, ac- 
cording to the preconcerted plan, and flew to join his men on 
the hill. 

The result of Gage's council of war soon became apparent. 
The enemy were observed moving with rapidity through the 
streets of Boston ; a corps of dragoons, mancEtWring within view 
of the Americans, suddenly galloped off their parade ground ;* 
the rattling of artillery carriages and wagons was heard, and 
every note of preparation for a military movement. Prescott, 
then believing the enemy would hazard an attack, was de- 
lighted ; " Now, my boys, we shall have a fight, and shall beat 
" them too," he observed. Fearless himself, he thought the 
world so too, and his conddence was too implicit in the raw 
troops and inexperienced commanders just collecting only, and 
hardly to be considered an army. 

It was nine o'clock ; the men were exhausted from hunger, 
thirst, fatigue, and want of sleep. Putnam had again repaired 
to Cambridge to procure provisions and a reinforcement become 
indispensable, but neither one nor the other had arrived. Col. 
Prescott called another council of war ; he refused, as before, 
to hear a word about displacing his men, but consented to send 
again for refreshments and a reinforcement. ]\Iaj. Brooks was 
selected to proceed to Cambridge and wait on Gen. Ward for 
this purpose. For greater expedition he was directed to take 
one of the artillery horses, but the order was vehemently oppo- 
sed by Capt. Gridiey, who feared for the safety of his pieces. 
Prescott then directed hi^i to proceed on foot, with as much 
despatch as possible. He arrived at head quarters about 10, 
and made known his instructions to Ward. The general hesi- 
tated as to the policy of sending reinforcements to Charlestown, 
and doubted whether the intention of the enemy was to make 
his attack on that point. The scanty depots of ammunition, 
ordnance stores, and materiel of every species belonging to 
the army, on which the salvation of the country depended, 
were at Cambridge and Watertovvn, and he presumed the ene- 



The scitc of llie picscnt Hospital. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 25 

my designed to seize the present opportunity to make an attack 
at head quarters and gain possession of these stores. 

The Committee of Safety were sitting at the same house* in 
which the general quartered, and he communicated to 
them the information and request brought by Maj. Brooks. — 
Richard Devens,f of Charlestown, was one of the committee ; 
from deep anxiety for the success of the expedition and the 
protection of his native town from tlie inroad of the enemy, his 
importunity with the general and the committee for an ample 
reinforcement was impassioned and vehement, and his opinion 
partially prevailed ; the committee recommended a reinforce- 
ment, and the - general consented that orders should be des- 
patched immediately to Cols. Reed and Stark, at Medford, to 
join Prescott's detachment with the New Hampshire troops. 

Gen. Warren, Chairman of the Committee of Safety, was 
present. The day before he had officiated as President of 
Congress at Watertovvn, and had passed the night there in the 
accumulated concerns of the public. His friend, Hon. Elbridge 
Gerry, having learned the determination to occupy and fortify 
Bunker Hill, remonstrated with him against the glaring impru- 
dence of the enterprize, with our feeble resources. " We had 
" not powder sufficient to maintain the desperate conflict which 
" must ensue, and should all be cut to pieces." Warren con- 
fessed he entertained the same opinion ; but it was determined 
otherwise, and he was resolved to share the fate of his coun- 
trymen. His friend conjured him not to expose his invalua- 
ble life where his destruction would be useless and inevitable. 
" I know it," said the hero, " but I live within sound of the 
" cannon, and should die were I to remain at home while my 
" fellow citizens are shedding their blood for me." " As 
" sure as you go, you will be slain," repeated Gerry. Warren's 
final answer was, " Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori."J He 
arrived at Cambridge by daylight, sick with nervous headache, 
and threw himself on the bed. On receiving information that 
the enemy were coming out. Ward sent to notify him. He 
arose immediately, declared " his headache was gone," and 
after meeting with the Committee of Safety, mounted his horse, 
and with his fusil and sword repaired to the post of danger. 

At eleven, the New Hampshire troops received orders from 
Cambridge ; but not being provided with ammunition, were quite 

* Now Dr. Holmes's house. 

t Devens, afterward commisEary general, mounted an officer's horse, and 
used his pistols to press teams to carry on provisions. Init tht- British cannon 
prevented their arriving. 

t Senior Pres. Adams. 
4 



26 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 

unprepared to obey them. Every man was immediately sup- 
plied with two flints, and a gill of powder with fifteen balls to form 
into cartridges, but nearly all of them were destitute of car- 
tricfge boxes, employing powder-horns only ; and scarcely any 
two of their guns agreeing in calibre, they were obliged to ham- 
mer their balls to a proper size for the pieces. The companies 
posted at Chelsea, were inunediately recalled. 

About noon, at the long wharf in Boston, twenty eight barges 
were filled with the principal part of the first detachment of 
British troops, consisting of the 5th, 38th, 43d, and 52d battal- 
ions of infantry, ten companies of grenadiers, and ten of Lt. In- 
fantry. Some of these troops were taken from the transports, 
and were to land now for the first time since their voyage, not 
like Antaeus to gather new strength from the earth, but to shed 
their life's blood on her bosom. The barges formed in two 
parallel lines of single files, six resplendent pieces of cannon, 
and howitzers in the bows of the leading boats, with the gor- 
geous uniform, and brilliant armour of the troops, throwing 
back the splendour of the sun, as if in rivalry : they move in 
exact time and perfect order, and about one, land at Morton's 
point ; the novel and alarming spectacle filling the. Americans 
with dismay. 

Immediately on landing they discovered a disastrous mis- 
take, most of the cannon balls sent over, were too large for 
the pieces ; they were immediately sent back, and a new supply 
obtained. At the same time. Gen. Howe, the commander, dis- 
covering on his near approach the formidable nature of the en- 
emy's position, their present numbers and the troops marching 
on, requested a reinforcement of Gen. Gage. These first troops, 
while waiting for the remainder of the detachment, were entirely 
unmolested, and very quietly dined, most of them for the last time, 
from their crowded and cumbrous knapsacks. About two, the 
remainder of the forces leave Winnisimit ferry, in the same for- 
midable array of barges, and land at Morton's Point ; and soon 
afterward the reinforcements, a few companies of grenadiers and 
light infantr)-, the forty seventh battalion, a battahon of marines, 
except a few of this corps who were preparing to embark, land 
under the eastern end of Breed's Hill, at Madlin's shipyard, the 
present uavyyard. All these troops cannot be estimated at less 
than five thousand ; if the corps were but half full, there were 
four thousand three hundred and fifty. While the enemy were 
landing, Putnam ordered Capt. Knowlton, with the Connecti- 
cut troops, to take post behind a rail fence, which ran across the 
tongue of land, from Mystic river to the road, about two hun- 
dred and fifty yards. In front of this line of fence, were some 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 2* 

apple-trees, and a few also in the rear. These troops pulled 
up the neighbouring fences, and placing them near the one at 
which they were posted, threw in the new mown grass between. 
A small part of this fence, had stones under the rails, to the 
height of two feet ; the whole formed only the shadow of a 
protection. This rail fence was 190 yards in rear of the breast- 
work, and 80 yards in rear of the slough, leaving a very exten- 
sive opening between the breastwork and rail fence, by which 
tlie left flank of the troops at the breastwork was exposed to 
the enemy's fire, and about 100 yards between the slough and 
rail fence, open to the advance of infantry ; the only defence 
being a few standing trees, stones, or whatever could be found 
on the spot. This was the key of the American position. 

The detachments in Charlestown were now recalled by Pres- 
cott, and took post at a cart way, which ran from the road to 
the southeastern angle of the redoubt. They placed the fences 
together, and threw in grass, as was done on the left. 

The thundering cannonade of the enemy soon spread the in- 
formation of an approaching engagement. The Americans in 
the neighbourhood flocked to the scene, and the soldiers volun- 
tarily ran to arms, and entreated to be led against the foe; 
Col. Little's regiment had lately arrived from Essex and the 
officers were not commissioned ; without awaiting orders, they 
left their quarters in Menotomy and Cambridge, marched to 
Gen. Ward and tendered their services. The Connecticut 
troops were equally anxious to join their general ; they were 
all under arms, and sent to head quarters for orders. But 
Ward informed them, they had already the post of honor, as 
the British were expected to land near Inman's farm, their pres- 
ent position. The brave New Hampshire troops, at the same 
post, under Col. Sargent, were also as earnest to be led against 
the enemy, and the Col. sent the most pressing requests to 
Ward for permission to conduct them on. 

Capt. Callender with his artillery company was ordered to 
the Hill, and, for greater caution, Gardner's Regiment was 
marched to Patterson's station, at the opening of the road to 
Lechmere Point, there to wait further orders. Doolittle's Re- 
giment had been stationed on the Charlestown road the night 
before, and was a httle in advance of them. 

Prescott had stretched the endurance and exertions of his 
detachment to the utmost of the human constitution. They 
had thrown up a defence good against muskets, and most of it 
against artillery. But the commanding summit of Bunker 
Hill, of vital importance in rase of a retreat, was not yet fortifi- 



28 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 

ed, though Puinain, morlified at the neglect of a position on 
which his success and reputation depended, had been incessant 
and unwearied in his eflbrts to have it accomphshed ; but in 
vain, as no reinforcements arrived. At length he ordered oft" 
a large detachment from the Redoubt with tlie intrenching tools 
to break ground there. From experience, under the most dis- 
tinguished masters of the day, he perfectly comprehended the 
importance of intrenching, seemed to have seized intuitively the 
learned maxims of Ccesar, and to anticipate the result of such 
modern defences as Jackson's. Most of the detachment, or- 
dered off with the tools, never returned to the lines. 

Putnam, on perceiving the preparations of the enemy for an 
attack, again hastened to Cambridge for reinforcements, and 
had to pass through a gaUing enfilading fire of round, bar, and 
chain shot, which thundered across the neck from the Glasgow 
frigate in the channel of Charles River, and two floating batte- 
ries hauled close to the shore. He learned from Gen. Ward 
the orders which had been sent to the New Hampshire troops 
at Medford, and immediately returned to his post. 

At last, the New Hampshire troops arrived ; it was the poli- 
cy of Stark to march his men slowly, observing, that " one 
" fresh man in battle is better than ten fatigued ones." Put- 
nam reserved a part of this force to throw up the work on 
Bunker Hill, and ordered the remainder to press on to the lines 
as quick as possible, and join the Connecticut troops at the rail 
fence. Stark encouraged them by a short, spirited address, 
ordered three cheers to animate them, and they moved on rap- 
idly to the line. 

The intention of the enemy being now clearly pronounced 
by their landing in Charlestown, Gen. Ward, reserving still his 
own regiment, Putnam's, Sargent's, Patterson's, Gardner's and 
part of Bridge's, from his excessive caution lest an attack 
should be made at Cambridge, despatched the remainder of 
the troops* as a reinforcement to Charlestown. The enemy 
directed a schooner, with 5 or GOO men on board, to the Cam- 
bridge shore, as if aware of this tender point ; but the wind and 
tide proving unfavorable to this landing, they returned. f 

Near five thousand British troops had now landed, under the 
immediate command of Gen. Howe, distinguished, like all his 



* Gen. Ward had a hoeshcad of rum boforc his quarters, which was served 
to the sohliers before lliey loft the common. By a resolve of Mass. Congress, 
spirit could be allowed the men by a Gc ii. ofrictr only, and on cstraordinary 
occasions. 

t Col. P. D. Sargent 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 29 

family, for undaunted bravery. Under him were Gen. Pigot, 
Cols. Nesbit, Abercronibie, Clarke ; Majors Butler, Williams, 
Bruce, Spendlove, Smelt, Mitchell, Pitcairn, Short, Small and 
Lord Rawdon, all officers of renown. The troops were in col- 
umns, waiting the signal to advance. They and the enemy op- 
posed to them, were in a vast amphitheatre of nature, formed 
by those lofty hills which rise from Boston bay and surround- 
ed them. These towering heights overlooked both armies, and 
were covered by Americans, who had been brought from a dis- 
tance, by their anxious curiosity, to witness a scene so sublime, 
and learn the event of a contest, on which the fate of a new 
world depended ; and many of them from a deeper interest in 
the fate of a parent, a brother or husband engaged. The 
heights and the steeples in Boston were crowded in the same 
manner, by the inhabitants and the British military ; and many 
a soldier's wife witnessed the events, with a melancholy fore- 
boding that she was left a widow, and her home three thousand 
miles across the ocean. The prospect was rendered still more 
terrific by a tremendous cannonade and bombardment from 
Boston, which opened on the camp at Roxbury to contain the 
Americans at their post, who were there under arms. This. 
added to the continued roar of the batteries ^.nd shipping on 
the side of Charlestown, and the battle was commencing. 
The whole formed a scene beyond the reach of the human im- 
agination. 

The British artillery on Morton's Hill opened on the Amer- 
icans ; Col. Prescott ordered the men to keep under cover oi 
the works, but Lieut. Spaulding standing by his side, had hi> 
head completely shattered by a ball. Gridley's pieces which 
had fired a few useless shot from the redoubt against Copps 
Hill and the shipping, were now ordered out ; there were no 
embrasures, and the slight platform was broken. They were 
carried with Callender's to the space between the breastwork 
and rail fence, and returned the fire of the British, which serv- 
ed at least the important purpose of keeping the enemy in 
respect, who secured themselves under the eastern side of 
Morton's Hill^, The artillery companies were just enlisted from 
the infantry, and grossly ignorant of their duty ; this arm re- 
quires science, experience, and knowledge of position. The 
officers complained that their cartridges were unsuitable for the 
pieces ; Gridley drew off his to the rear, one of them being al- 
ready disabled in the unequal contest with the British batte- 
ries and field pieces ; and Callendcr was marching off over 
Bunker Hill to a secure place for preparing his ammunition in 



30 JJUNKER HILJL. iiATTLi;, 

safety, when Putnam met him and was fired v\ith indignation 
at this appearance of a retreat. He ordered him instantly to 
his post ; Callender remonstrated, but Putnam threatened him 
with instant death if he hesitated, and compelled him to return. 
His men, however, were disgusted with a part of the service 
they did not understand ; most of them had muskets, and min- 
gled with the infantry ; the pieces were entirely deserted and 
left on Bunker Hill, from which position they were fired a few 
times on the enemy. 

Col. Little arrived with his troops ; Putnam ordered them 
to their posts, Captain Warner's company to the rail fence on 
the right of the redoubt. Captain Perkins' to the exposed po- 
sition between the breastwork and rail fence on the left, the re- 
mainder found their places in the line. Col. Jonathan Brewer, 
who had been a ranger in the French war ; Col. Nixon, 
who had served in the same war ; Col. Woodbridgc ; and 
Maj. Moore of Doolittle's Regiment, the Col. and Lieut- 
Col, being absent, — brought on their troops, each about 300 
men. Col. Woodbridge sent a detachment off to the right, in 
the main street of Charlestown, and carried orders to Maj. 
Moore to do the same, who accordingly sent one under 
Capt. Wheeler. Col. Reed sent a detachment also, under 
Capt. Crosby. 

Col. Scamnians, with a large Regiment from Maine,* was 
ordered by Gen. Ward to go where the fighting was ;f he ac- 
cordingly marched to Lechmere point, understanding from 
some one on the Charlestown road that the enemy were land- 
ing there. On his arrival, he was undeceived by Gen. Whit- 
comb, who advised him to march to the Hill. From an egre- 
gious error, or deficiency of spirit, he went to Cobble Hill in- 
stead of Breed's, and took post in that perfectly useless po- 
sition. J 

The veteran Gen. Pomeroy heard the pealing artillery, 
which seemed to invite him to battle ; he was a soldier too 
brave, and a patriot too ardent, to resist a summons so agree- 
able. He requested a horse of Gen. Ward, to carry him to 
the field ; delighted at an aid so important, one y/as instantly 
supplied. With his musket, he repaired immediately to the 



* Whom he called " Yorkshire IJoys." He came from Saco, but, before 
this, had belonged to Haverhill. 

t Jer. Hill, Esq. of Saco, heard the order. 

X Lieut. Morgan r.:'wis belonged to this Rcgt. since then a Gen. of the array 
ia the late war, and (iov. of the State of New York. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 31 

neck ; inquiring of a sentry posted there, and viewing the 
ground and the tremendous fire across, he was alarmed, not 
for himself but for the horse he had borrowed ; he delivered 
him to a sentinel, and coolly marched across. He advanced to 
the rail fence, his approach gave new confidence to the men ; 
they received him with the highest exultation, and the name of 
Pomeroy rang through the line. In early life he had been an 
ingenious mechanic, and many a soldier was supplied with 
arms of his manufacture. Had Vulcan supplied the Gre- 
cians with armor, and appeared in their ranks, they could not 
have been more certain of victory. 

The British now formed their columns, with their field train 
in centre, ready to advance on the American line. 

Capt. Ford arrived with his company. He served under the 
veteran Lieut. Col. Parker and Maj. Brooks, had learned the 
duties of a soldier, and signalized himself in Lexington battle 
by killing five of the enemy. He was proceeding down Bun- 
ker Hill, when Putnam met him and was delighted with an aid 
so opportune ; Callender's deserted cannon were on the hill, 
and he ordered Capt. Ford with his company to draw them' 
to the line. The captain remonstrated that " his men were 
" entirely ignorant of the discipline and management of artil- 
" lery." But the general persisting in his order, he obeyed ; 
his company moved with the cannon, accompanied by the gen- 
eral himself, to the rail fence. 

Putnam was now joined by Warren, to whom he observed, 
" Pm sorry to see you here, Gen. Warren. 1 wish you had 
" left the day to us, as 1 advised you, from appearances we 
" shall have a sharp time of it ; but since you are here, Pll 
" receive your orders with pleasure." Warren replied : " I 
" came only as a volunteer ; I know nothing of your disposi- 
" tions, and will not interfere with them ; tell me where 1 can 
" be most useful," Putnam, intent on his safety, directed him 
to the redoubt, observing, " you will be covered there." — 
" Don't think," said Warren, " I come here to seek a place of 
" safety ; but tell me where the onset will be most furious." — 
Putnam again pointed to the redoubt ; " that," said he, " is the 
" enemy's object, Prescott is there, and will do his duty, and 
" if itcanbe defended, the day is ours ; but, from long experience 
" of the character of the enemy, I think they will ultimately 
" succeed and drive us from the works, though, from the 
" mode of attack they have chosen, we shall be able to do them 
" infinite injury, and we must be prepared for a brave and or- 
" derly retreat when we can maintain our ground no longer." 



32 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 

Warren assented to his opinions, and, promising to be governed 
by them, went to the redoubt. The soldiers received him with 
loud hurras. Prescott ofiered him the command ; but he had 
not yet received his commission, and tendered his services to 
the Col. as a volunteer, observing, " He was happy to learn 
" service from a soldier of experience."* 

The field-pieces of the enemy opened furiouslyf on the 
works, the signal for their army to move. Their columns ad- 
vanced slowly, aud halted at intervals, to give the artillery an 
opportunity to render a passage over the works practicable.^ 
Howe, remarkably tall, and a prominent mark, advanced two 
hundred yards in front of the troops to reconnoitre. || 

The American drums beat to arms. Putnam left his works, 
commenced on Bunker Hill, and led the troops into action. 
The tune of the Americans at Bunker Hill was Yankee Doodle, 
it was now first employed by them, but was to become 
their favourite national air, and the far-famed harbinger of vic- 
tory on the land, the lake, and the ocean. J 

Capt. Walker,§ one of the bravest of the brave, beat up for 
volunteers to accompany him down into Charlestown to hang 
on the left flank of the enemy. He had been detailed for 
guard duty the day before, and his company had been sent on 
without him under the Lieut. The picket guard, of which he 
was the commander, had not been reheved on the day of the 
battle, and he could not brook the misfortune of being drawn 
for a place of safety, when his country required his services in 
the place of death. He made use of the most earnest persua- 
sions with his Lieut, by repeated messengers, to exchange pla- 
ces with him, till at length he succeeded. He now collected 
about 50 kindred spirits, whom he led down as a forlorn hope 
on the enemy's left, and gave them five or six rounds with the 
most deadly execution. But the little desperate band were 
soon driven in with severe loss. The Capt. however escaped, 
and was determined to tempt fate again by another daring at- 
tack on the opposite flank of the enemy. He had the sagacity 
to discover the danger of their turning our left, by the shore of 
the Mystic, and changed his attack to that quarter ; but was 
wounded and taken prisoner with Frost, one of his company, 



* This conversation we liavre from Col. Putnam, and most of it likewiie 
from Dr. Jeffries, to whom it was related by Lieut. Col. Parker, dressed by 
him at the redoubt, the next day, on a fascine. 

t Sfedman, Marshall, Gage, and all authorities. 

t NoteK. jl Dr. .leflVies. § Of Chelmsford. 



BUNKEK HILL BATTLE. 33 

who was very badly wounded at the same time. They were 
carried to Boston jail, where the Capt. died of his wounds ; 
but Frost has escaped through all his perils, and yet lives to 
tell us.^ 

The British right wing, consisting of the fifth regiment, one 
of grenadiers, and another of light infantry, mov^e under cover 
of the tongue of land, at the foot of it display, and advance in 
front toward the rail fence ; excepting nine of the light companies, 
who move by the right flank on the shore of the l\lystic to turn 
the American left. This attack was led by Gen. Howe.f 

The left wing, composed of the fifty-second regiment, thirty- 
eighth, thirty-fifth, forty-seventh, three grenadier and three 
light companies, and the marines, under cover of Breed's Hill, 
display, and are led by Gen. Pigot against the redoubt and 
breastwork. 

On a sudden, as they were advancing, the fire from their ar- 
tillery ceased ; Howe sent to inquire into the cause of this ill- 
timed remission, and learned, that owing to a fatal blunder, the 
cannon-balls sent over, were too large for the pieces ; but that 
they had grape-shot ; and he ordered them forward to maintain 
their fire with grape. J 

The British lines soon opened to view, and the American 
marksmen are with difficulty restrained from firing. Putnam 
rode through the line, and ordered that no one should fire till 
they arrived within eight rods, nor any one till commanded- 
" Powder was scarce and must not be wasted. They should 
" not fire at the enemy till they saw the whites of their eyes, 
" and then fire low, take aim at their waistbands. They were 
" all marksmen, and could kill a squirrel at a hundred yards ; 
" reserve their fire, and the enemy were all destroyed. Aim 
" at the handsome coats, pick ofi:' the commanders." The 
same orders were reiterated by Prescott at the redoubt, by 
Pomeroy, Stark, and all the veteran officers. 



•■ Col. James Vanmai, now of Draciitt, a scrje^'it in Coburu's company, was 
one of llie volunteers with Walker qu his fiist attiicU, and had tlie top of his 
Jiat sliot ofl", and two bullets throii?,li his jacket. Sec Note L. 

f De Berniere, CoiuUirtof the War hy Hone, nncJ n\\ authoritie'i. 

At this time, ill front of the cannon, the air was filicd with innumerable swal- 
lows. Another si^ht at this time was most tantalizing to the parched lips ol 
the Americans— the enemy wcie supplied with !;i;ge tubs of drink to prepartv 
them for the onset. 

: Condnct of (he War. by Howe. p. i:]. 



J4 JBUNKEK UILL BATTLE. 

Putnam now, with the assistance of Captain Ford's compa- 
ny, opened his artillery upon them. He had on this day per- 
formed every species of service, and now turned cannonier, 
with splendid success, and to the highest satisfaction of his 
countrymen. Each company of artillery had but twelve car- 
tridges, and these were soon expended. He pointed the can- 
non himself, the balls took effect on the enemy, and one case 
of canister made a lane through them. As in Milton's battle, 

" Foul dissipation followed and forced rout." 

With wonderful courage, however, the enemy closed their ranks, 
and coolly marched on to the attack. 

The enemy were within gunshot of the redoubt ; a few of 
the sharp shooters could not resist the temptation and fired. — 
Prescott was indignant at this contempt of his orders ; waving 
his sword, he swore instant death against the first who should 
disobey ; appealed to their well-known confidence in him, and 
promised to give them orders at the proper moment. His Lt. 
Col. Robinson, who, with Col. Buttrick, had gallantly led the 
troops at Concord, ran round the top of the parapet, and threw 
up the muskets. 

The enemy now at eight rods distance only, the deadly 
muskets were levelled. Prescott commanded his men to take 
good aim, be sure of their mark, and fire. He was effectually 
obeyed. Nearly the whole front rank was swept away, and 
many a gallant officer laid low. 

As the cloud of smoke passed away, the ground was seen 
covered with dead, and the wounded and dying exerting their last, 
feeble remains of strength to crawl out of the line, many on 
their hands and knees, to save themselves. The enemy, how- 
ever, were countrymen of those who gave the fire, and received 
it with the same cool courage with which it was given. Rank 
succeeded rank, and returned the fire, but the odds was fear- 
ful ; the Americans were well protected by the works ; the ef- 
forts and courage of the enemy were in vain, and with surly 
reluctance they were at last compelled to retreat, as they were 
commanded to do by Gen. Pigot himself.* 

Warren animated and encouraged the men, and with the 
rest of the officers, set them an example with his musket ; there 
was scarcely an officer of any rank, excepting Putnam and 
Prescott, without one. 



* Conduct of the War by Gen. Howe, p. 13. 



BUNKKR HILL BATTLE. 35 

The British right wing arrived, about the time of this attack 
on the redoubt to within one hundred yards of the Americans. 
They were throwing down a fence,* when a few marksmen 
fired on them. Putnam was enraged at this disobedience of 
an order on which the salvation of the army depended ; he 
rode to the spot, with his drawn sword threatening to cut down 
the first who dared to fire again without orders. The dis- 
charge from these few muskets, however, drew the fire from- 
the enemy's hne,f which continued moving on, and when about 
eight rods from the fence, the fatal order was given ; the fire of 
the Americans mowed them down, with the same terrible 
severity, as at the redoubt, the officers especially fell victims to 
their deadly aim. 

During this tremendous fire of musketry and roar of cannon, 
McCIary's gigantic voice was distinctly heard, animating and 
encouraging the men as though he would inspire every ball 
tliat sped, with his own fire and energy. 

The British fired their heaviest voUies of musketry with ad- 
mirable coolness and regularity, but without aim, at the Ameri- 
cans, and almost every ball passed harmless over them. Their 
artillery had stopped in the marsh near the brick kilns,J and 
produced little effect. This wing of the army having covered 
the ground with their dead, were at length compelled to retreat ; 
and the hurra of victory re-echoed through the American line. 
So thorough was the defeat of the enemy, that many of them re- 
paired to their boats. Fortunately for the Americans, the ene- 
my neglected to charge with the bayonet ; if, instead of display- 
ing and firing, they had filled the intervals between their col- 
umns with light troops to keep the Americans under the works 
by an incessant, fire and rushed on at the charge, they must 
have secured an easy victory, especially as the Americans al- 
most to a man were destitute of the bayonet. 

General Ward had by this time despatched reinforcements 
from Cambridge, but many of them did not reach the field. 
The fire across the neck wore an aspect too terrific for raw 
troops to venture in it. Putnam flew to the spot to overcome 
their fears and hurry them or^ before the enemy returned. He 



* The fences were a formidable obstacle to the enemy's advance, a very 
great portion of the housekeepers in Charlestown having separate pastures 
here. 

t Dr. Dexter. 

t These were numerous, for the sake of employing- the poor of Boston and 
Charlestown, and doubtless prevented the acivance of the cannon. 



36 liUNKEH HILL BATTLt. 

entreated, encouraged, and threatened them ; lashing his horse 
with the flat of his s'.vord, he rode backwards and forward 
across the neck, tlie balls threw up clouds of dust about him, 
and the soldiers were perfectly convinced that he was in- 
\'ulnerable, but were not equally conscious of being so them- 
selves.* Some of these troops, however, ventured over. 

The battalion of artillery under Maj. Gridley had proceeded 
but a few hundred yards down the road to Charlestown when 
they were halted, and this officer determined not to proceed 
to the hill, but wait and cover the retreat, which he considered 
inevitable. He was young, inexperienced, and totally inade- 
quate to the important command which had been conferred on 
him in compliment to his father, Col. Gridley. He was con- 
founded with the dangers and difficulties of his situation, and 
never recovered his self possession during the day. With his 
two famous brass pieces, which alone had horses attached to 
them, he advanced farther down the road. While the artillery 
was halted in this situation. Col. Frye, (who was absent from, 
his regiment on duty the day before, but the battle approaching, 
had found his way to the field,) riding from Charlestown gallop- 
ed up to them, and demanded of the senior captain, f " why 
this unseasonable halt !" He was astonished at the reply, and 
ordered them instantly to the field. This veteran also animated 
their courage by the glorious recollection " this day thirty 
" years since, 1 was at the taking of Louisbourg when it was 
" surrendered to us ; it is a fortunate day for America, we 
" shall certainly beat the enemy." 

The artillery proceeded. Gridley joined them ', but his 
aversion to entering into the engagement was invincible, and he 
ordered them on to Cobble Hill to fire at the Glasgow and 
floating batteries. The order was so palpably absurd, with 
their three pounders, that Capt. Trevett absolutely refused obe- 
dience, ordered his men to follow him, and marched for the 
hnes. Gridley was sensible his artillery would be hazarded 
without infantry to cover them. Col. Mansfield had been 
ordered with his regiment to reinforce the troops at Charles- 
town, but being peremptorily commanded by Gridley, whom 
he considered high military authority, to cover his pieces, he 
complied in violation of his orders. 



* The principal fact lieie is proved by the deposition of Mr. Samuel Bas- 
lett ; the other circumstances by oral testimony. 

t Capt. Trevett, from whom we have this account. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 37 

Putnam left the neck for Bunker Hill, to bring up the rein- 
forcements. He there found Col. Gerrish with part of his reg- 
iment and other scattered troops. Gerrish had been a captain 
in the provincial army of '56, and was unwieldy from excessive 
corpulence ; the fatigue from his oppressive march, and active 
exertions to carry on his troops, was too great for the faintness of 
his military ardour to overcome ; he declared that he was 
completely exhausted, and lay prostrate on the ground. The 
men were disorganized and dispersed on the west side of the 
hill, and covered by the summit from the fire. Putnam order- 
ed them on to the lines ; he entreated and threatened them, and 
some of the most cowardly he knocked down with his sword, 
but all in vain. The men complained they had not their offi- 
cers ; he offered to lead them on himself, but " the cannon 
" were deserted and they stood no chance without them." 
The battle indeed appeared here in all its horrors, the Brit- 
ish musketry fired high and took effect on this elevated hill, it 
was completely exposed to the combined fire from their ships, 
batteries, and field pieces, and their attention was forcibly at- 
tracted to it from a strong apprehension of its being fortified. 

The British General had now ralUed and reorganized his 
heroic troops, who with undaunted bravery and firm unwaver- 
ing step appeared again before the murderous lines which had 
already compelled them to retreat. They had nearly the same 
obstacles to overcome as before, their cumbrous knapsacks 
arms and accoutrements of 1251b weight,* tall unmown grass, and 
the sun blazing in front of them, they had to contend against, 
as well as an enemy their equals. One new obstacle, they had 
to pass, the dead bodies of their fellow-soldiers, which covered 
the ground ; but this served rather to stimulate them to still 
more daring efforts to revenge their fall, and some of them, 
with terrible desperation, piled up these dead bodies into a 
horrid breastwork to fire from.f 

Maj. Small, who had been sent to Boston for the purpose, 
returned with the last of the reinforcements, a few companies 
of the Marines, and was accompanied by an eminent surgeon 
Doct. Jeffries. 

The Americans were now more confident and perfect than 
before in a manoeuvre which had been crowned with success. 
It was indeed perfectly simple, but equally fatal to the foe. 



* Steel man. 

t This fact is unquestionable ; we have it fiom a rr.ost respectable eye wit- 
iiessj Mr. Smith, of Salem. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 



They received orders to reserve their fire till the enemy ap- 
proached still nearer than before. At six rods only they were 
permitted to return the fire. The British artillery approached 
by the narrow road between the tongue of land and Breed's 
Hill, within three hundred yards of the rail fence,* and almost 
in a line with the redoubt, and opened on the lines to prepare a 
way for their infantry. 

To add new horrors to the scene, vast columns of smoke 
were now observed over Charlestown, and passed to the north 
over the American fines. f General Howe on his first advance 
had sent word to General Burgoyne and General Clinton ou 
Copps Hill, that his left flank was annoyed by musketry from 
Charlestown, and desired them to burn it down. A carcass 
was fired, but fell short near the ferry way ; a second fell in the 
street, and the town was on fire. The conflagration was com- 
pleted by a detachment of men who landed froni the Somerset. 
The whole town was combustible. The flames ascended to 
heaven on the lofty spire of the church, and resembled the 
eruptions of a vast volcano in solemn grandeur and sublimity. 
The advance of the enemy, however, was not obscured by the 
smoke from Charlestown ; they were in full view of the Amer- 
icans, who suffered them to approach still nearer than before. 
They soon commenced a regular and tremendous volley by 
platoons, and their fire became general. But unfortunate- 
ly for them, though perfect in drill discipline, and regular move- 
ments of parade, they were as grossly deficient in what was a 
thousand times more important, a knowledge of their weapons. 
Their aim was too elevated, and the enemy w'ere hidden be- 
hind the works. Some of their balls however took effect, and 
a number of the privates fell victims. Col. Brewer was wound- 
ed, and Col. Nixon very badly wounded, and carried off. Lt. 
Col. Buckminster was crippled for life by a ball through the 
shoulder, and the brave Maj. Moore received a ball through his 
thigh, and as he was carried to the rear by his men, another 
ball through the body which proved mortal ; faint from loss 
of blood, and with the terrible death thirst upon him, which 
is ever the consequence, not a drop of water even could be 
found for him nearer than Charlestown neck, to which place 
two of his youngest men were immediately despatched. 

The Americans were at length permitted to throw in their 
murderous blaze of fire on the foe, it fell on them like lightning, 



* Stedman's map and others, 
t r.fn. Winslow, Capt. BuUarfl. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 39 

prostrating whole ranks of them, officers and men, in promis- 
cuous heaps. The British bore the fatal fire with astonishing 
fortitude, but it could be withstood by man but a few moments 
only, their most daring efforts were in vain against the insuper- 
able difficulties they encountered.* Nearly a thousand of their 
number had fallen, with an incredible proportion of the bravest 
officers. 

The undaunted Howe still led on his men in the hottest of 
the battle. His aid de camp Balfour's hfe was saved only by 
the ball which passed through him, being slightly diverted by his 
canteen. His volunteer aid, Gordon, and Capt. Addison, a 
descendant from the author of the Spectator, were slain, and 
almost every other officer of his staff or near him was shot. 
Mortified and indignant at so much blood wasted in vain, he 
seemed to court an honourable death to hide him from the dis- 
grace of a second defeat by an enemy he despised as peasants 
and rebels. But his life seemed charmed, and he was compell- 
ed to follow his army, who again retreated, and yielded their ene- 
my a second time the joys of victory. 

The gallant Maj. Small was left standing alone, every one 
shot down about him. The never-erring muskets were levelled 
at him, and a soldier's fate was his inevitable destiny, when 
Putnam at the instant appeared. Each recognized in the other 
an old friend and fellow soldier ; the tie was sacred ; Putnam 
threw up the deadly muskets with his sword, and arrested his 
fate. He begged his men to spare that officer, as dear to him 
as a brother. The general's humane and chivalrous generosity 
excited in- them new admiration, and his friend retired unhurt. 

Col. Little in the redoubt was covered with blood from one 
of his menf shot by his side. 

The exultation of the Americans was glorious and well de- 
served, but alas, short lived. They had leisure to realize the 
entire hopelessness of their situation. Their ammunition was 
expended, and they were as destitute of every offensive weapon 



* The history of this reserved close fire is remarkable, it was employed by 
Gen. Wolfe, and probably taught the Americans by liis proviucial officers. De 
Berniere, sent by Gage to reconnoitre the country in the spring of 75, satiri- 
cally describes the earnestness with which it was enjoined on the Yankees. It 
has ever since been their favourite and successful mode of fighting by sea and 
land. De Berniere says, " at Framingham a conspaoy of militia came and 
exercised under our windows, one of their commanders spoke a very el quent 
speech, recommending patience, coolness, and bravery, (which indeed they 
much wanted) particularly recommended to them to chars^e vi> cooUy. (ind 
wait for our fire, and every Ihiv^ ivoidd succeed" 

t §tory of Ipswich 



^0 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 

as the naked savages, their predecessors. Prescott found a 
few artillery cartridges, which he distributed to his men, and 
they determined to show a resolute front to the enemy, to club 
their muskets, and even employ the stones thrown up with the 
parapet against them. Their onl)^ hope, however, was from a 
want of fortitude in the foe, who had already twice proved any 
such expectation absolutely groundless. 

Ward was without staff officers to bear his commands, ex- 
cepting one aid and a secretary, who were the whole day on 
full speed between Breed's Hill and head quarters. Loss and 
neglect of orders were the inevitable consequence. Gardner's 
regiment and others who had been left between Cambridge and 
Charlestown, to wait further orders, were overlooked. The 
battle was raging, and no orders arrived. The colonel was a 
gentleman of rank, had been a member of the legislature, and 
commanded a regiment of mihtia, which, marching to Lexington 
to join in the engagement there, suddenly opened on the British 
artillery ; being entirely void of cover they dispersed. His 
gallant soul felt their conduct as a stigma on himself, and he 
resolved on the earliest opportunity to wipe the spot from his 
escutcheon. A glorious opportunity was before him, and he 
panted to embrace it — to reap the honour of victory, or death 
and lasting fame. The latter fate was decreed him. He called 
his officers together, and offered to lead them into battle ; they 
consented to follow him with about 300 men. The Col. march- 
ed them on to Bunker Hill, where they were met by Putnam, 
whose anxiety concerning this neglected'post, never slept for a 
moment, he ordered them to take up the intrenching tools and 
complete the works he had commenced there, declaring, how- 
ever, his conviction that the enemy would not rally again, they 
had been twice so thoroughly beaten. 

Col. Scammans still remained inactive on Cobble hill, and 
contented himself with sending a scrjeant and other messengers 
to Gen. Putnam, to sec if he was wanted in the battle. 

The detachment of Gerrish's regiment from Cambridge 
inarched down and ascended Ploughed hill, under Mighill, the 
oldest Captain, but the Adjutant Ferbiger, a Danish soldier of 
experience, assumed the command, called on the men to follow 
him, and marched for the lines. 

Charlestown being burnt, the detachment there perceiving 
the enemy could not march up on that side, quitted their post, 
and joined the troops at the lines. 

Howe gave his men orders to prepare again to advance. 
Some of the officers remonstrated, that it would be mere butch- 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 41 

ery to lead them on again, but the generals, and nearly every 
officer, were indignant at the most distant susjjicion of their 
yielding the victory to these rebels, an undisciplined rabble, of 
inferior numbers, against whom they had poured out every epi- 
thet of contempt. To conquer or die was their resolve. 

Bloody experience at last opened their eyes to their egre- 
gious errors. Their overweening confidence was laid aside, and 
a deliberate and judicious plan of attack adopted. The over- 
loaded knapsacks were relinquished ; firing with musketry was 
prohibited, and a charge with the bayonet resorted to. The 
attack was to be more concentrated ; while the troops at the 
rail fence were amused by a show of force, the grand effort was 
to be against the redoubt and breastwork, and especially on the 
right flank. 

The accomplished and chivalrous Gen. Clinton now joined 
his countrymen, bringing his splendid talents into the council, 
and his distinguished gallantry into the field. Iminediate and 
inconceivable was the sensation his appearance produced at this 
moment of deep despondence. From Copps Hill he had ob- 
served, with shame and indignation, the double rout of his coun- 
tiymen, and particularly that the two celebrated battahons, the 
marines and forty-seventh, were staggered and wavering. 
Without waiting for orders, he threw himself into a boat, pass- 
ed over, and soon breathed into them his own exalted heroism. 

Howe again commanded a forward movement to scale the 
works, and rush on the enemy with the bayonet. He came to 
the left to lead on to the redoubt himself. Clinton joined Gen. 
Pigot and the marines on the left to turn the right flank of thf 
enemy. Howe at last discovered the most vulnerable point, 
and the key of the enemy's position ; the artillery were order- 
ed to advance still farther than before on their old route, and 
turn the left of the breastwork, to enfilade the line. 

The Americans made every preparation possible to repe! 
this last desperate effort of the enemy. Putnam again rode to 
the rear, and exhausted every art and effort to bring on the scat- 
tered reinforcements. Capt. Bayley, only, of Gerrish's regi- 
ment, reached the lines. The General ordered Colonel 
Gardner's Regiment into action, the Colonel commanded his 
men to throw down the intrenching tools, and rush on, viewed 
unconcerned the battle scene before him, terrible as Sinai, and 
was just descending into the engagement, when a musket ball 
entered his groin, which proved mortal. He gave his last sol- 
emn injunction to his men, to conquer or die ; and a detachment 
were just carrying him off the ground, '.vhen he was met bv his 
'6 



42 BUNKEa HILL BATTLE. 

son, 2d Lieut, of Capt. Trevett, marching on, a mere youth of 
nineteen, and the interview which ensued between them, was 
melancholy and heart-rending, though at the same time heroic. 
The affectionate son in agony at the desperate situation of his 
father was anxiously desirous to assist him off the field, but was 
prohibited from doing this by his father, who notwithstanding 
he was conscious that his wound was mortal, yet encouraged 
his son to disregard it, reminding him that he wa.'- engaged in a 
glorious cause, and whateVer were the consequence, must 
march on, and do his duty. The distracted son obeyed his 
parent's last command, and in the battle, now raging, proved 
himself worthy of him, by a fearless imitation of his example, 
and afforded him his highest consolation in the hour of death. 
In consequence of the loss of the Col. his Regiment did not 
reach the hues. Capt. Harris's company only with a few oth- 
ers of the troops on the left, went to the rail fence. Capt. 
Trevett who had lost one of his pieces on Bunker Hill, by a 
cannon shot, marched to the rail fence with the other. 

The enemy stripped off their knapsacks, and many of them 
their coats ; the artillery pushed on by the road on the north, 
the forty-seventh and marines near the road on the south side of 
the hill, and the remains of the royal Irish and other regiments, 
and part of the grenadiers and light infantry in front. Their 
past efforts had exhausted the strength and spirit of many of 
the soldiers who lingered in the rear, and their gallant officers 
were compelled to urge them on with their swords. Some of 
the less resolute fired their pieces, but the great masses obey- 
ed their orders, and with firmness moved on to the charge. 
They arrived under the fire of the Americans, who improved to 
advantage their last opportunity for vengeance. Every shot 
took effect. The gallant Howe at last received a ball in the 
foot,* where only like Achilles he seemed to be vulnerable, but 
continued to animate his men. 

The distinguished Col. Abercrombie, who commanded the 
grenadiers, Majors WiUiams and Spendlovef were slain ; and to 
the noble heart of Abercrombie, Putnam was so dear as a sol- 
dier, patriot, and friend, that dying he remembered him, and 
enjoined it on his surrounding countrymen, *' If you take Gen. 
Putnam alive, don't hang him, for he's a brave fellow." J 



* Dr. Jeffries. 

f Much distinguished for 40 years in the 47»h Reg^. and 4 times in the Ga- 
zette for wounds in America, from Wolfe's battle to the present, 
t From a Lend, paper, see N. E. Chron. Wot. '75. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLB. 43 

Near the top of Breed's Hill were a few houses, which es- 
caped the general conflragation of the town ; these were judi- 
ciously manned by the Americans, who, from this cover, an- 
noyed the British extremely on their advance, and made great 
havoc on their left flank, before they were able to surround the 
redoubt. 

The artillery advanced toward the open space between the 
breastwork and rail fence ; this ground was defended by some 
brave Essex troops, covered only by scattered trees. With 
resolution and deadly aim they poured the most destructive 
vollies on the enemy. The cannon, however, turned the 
breastwork, enfiladed the line,* and sent their balls through 
the open gateway or sally port, directly into the redoubt, un- 
der cover of which the troops at the breastwork were compelled 
to retire. 

The enemy bravely bore the deadly fire, and continually 
closing his broken ranks, deliberately advanced on every side 
of the redoubt except the north. They were now under the 
eastern side of the redoubt and covered from the fire. The 
Americans retired to the opposite side to take them as they rose. 
Lieut. Prescott, nephew of the colonel, received a ball through 
the arm ; it hung broken and useless by his side. The col- 
onel ordered him to content himself with encouraging his men. 
But he contrived to load his piece, and was passing by the sally 
port to rest against the enemy, when a cannon ball cut him to 
pieces. A few only of the Americans had a charge of ammu- 
nition remaining. They had sent for a supply in vain ; a bar- 
rel and a half only were in the magazine. They resorted next 
to stones, but these served only to betray their weakness, and 
lent new energy to the foe. 

Young Richardson, of the royal Irish, was the first to mount 
the works, and was instantly shot down ; the front rank which 
succeeded shared the same fate. Among the foremost of the lead- 
ers was the gallant Maj. Pitcairn, who exultingly cried " the 
day is ours," when Salemf a black soldier, and a number of oth- 
ers, shot him through and he fell. His agonized son received him 
in his arms and tenderly bore him to the boats. It was he who 
caused the first effusion of blood at Lexington. In that battle his 
horse was shot under him, while he was separated from his 



• Marshall, Capt. Bancroft, Mass. Cong. 
1 Note M. 



44 BUNKKR HILL BATTLE. 

troops ; his pistols* were taken from his holsters, and he was 
left for dead, when he seized the opportunity and escaped. 

The heroic but diminutive Pigot ran up the southeastern 
corner of the redoubt, assisted by a tree left standing there, and 
desperately led on his men. Troops succeeded troops over 
the parapet, and Prescott exhausted every resource to repel 
them, even with the huts of his guns. 

But he had now his last great victory to achieve, to which 
all his past toils, dangers, and privations, were nothing. He 
had twice conquered the enemy ; he had now, a more difficult 
task, to conquer himself, to bend down his lofty soul, and turn 
his back to the enemy. Perfectly careless of his own life, he 
had no right to trifle with the lives of his men. It was a sacred 
deposit they had entrusted to his honor, a bond which he never 
forfeited. Instead of an useless waste of hfe, with a " nil des- 
perandum," he quelled his revolting spirit, and ordered a re- 
treat. 

It was not till the battle was near over, that Gen. Ward or- 
dered down his own regiment, Putnam's, and Sargent's, to as- 
sist their countrymen at their utmost need ; but before they 
could arrive, the battle ended. Capt. Clark, of Putnam's regi- 
ment, had, before this, joined in the battle, and Durkee's im- 
patience had brought him mounted to the field, to join his old 
commander and comrade of former wars.f Putnam's imagina- 
tion had already inscribed the victory of Bunker Hill on his 
coat of arms, when the retreat of the right wing burst upon him, 
and his hopes were blasted. 

The veteran Gridley now received a ball through the leg, 
and was carried olEF. He had served all night at the entrench- 
ments, and assisted all day in defending his own works, and 
proving their excellence. Prescott's troops fought their way 
through the surrounding enemy. The veteran Capt. Bancroft 
was charging his piece, a British soldier leaped from the para- 
pet, touching him as he came to the ground, and levelled at 
him, they fired together, the captain tore him to pieces and 
escaped unhurt. One of the men without ammunition perceiv- 
ed Lieut. Prescott's loaded musket by its deceased owner ; 



* These with the inilialp on them, belonged afterward to Putnam, and are 
yet in his family. Gag^e says the horse was shot, the other tacts come from the 
man who brought in the pistols. 

t In the journal of the famous Ranger, Maj. Rob Rogers, is recorded an in- 
atance of the adventurous bravery of Putnam, his capture by a party of sava- 
ges, and the desperate resistance of Durkee, who, though mangled with a num- 
ber of wounds continued fighting till he conquered. Lond. 1765, p. IIS. 



BUNKER HILL bATTLE. 46 

ope of the enemy opposed his passage ; seizing the musket he 
brought his antagonist to the ground. Col. Bridge, who came 
with the first detachment, was one of the last to retreat, and 
was twice severely wounded, in the head and neck by a broad 
sword. His lieut. colonel, the veteran Parker, who had es- 
caped through the whole war of '56, in which he had signalized 
himself, especially at the desperate siege of Fort Frontinac, re- 
ceived a ball in the thigh, and was left mortally wounded in 
the redoubt. 

Moore's soldiers found no one at the neck to supply them 
with drink for him ; they entered a store, the owner was in the 
cellar to secure himself from the cannonade, and refused to come 
up, finding spirit and water however, they hastened back to wit- 
ness only that all their efforts were labor lost, the enemy being 
in the redoubt, and Moore in the last extremity ; his men made 
every effort to remove him, but he ordered them to leave him, 
and save themselves, as he had but a moment to live ; they 
were immediately compelled to do this by the enemy, in the 
midst of whom, they saw him for the last time, as they retired, 
on the ground. 

" On the bare earth exposed he lies, 
With not a friend to close bis eyes." 

The British now enjoyed the satisfaction of responding to the 
hurras of victory, which had been twice enjoyed by the enemy, 
and expressed their melancholy exultation by a feeble hurra. 

The chivalrous Warren lingered to the last. His exalted 
spirit disdained as a disgrace a retreat the most inevitable. 
He animated the men to the most desperate daring ; and when 
hope itself had fled, he still disdained to fly. With sullen re- 
luctance he slowly followed his countrymen, and seemed to 
court death from the enemy, to hide him from shame. 

As he left the redoubt he was recognized by his friend Maj. 
Small, who honorably repaid the debt of gratitude he owed the 
enemy, he called to Warren for God's sake to stop and save his 
life, Warren turned and seemed to recognize him, but still 
continued on. Small ordered his men not to fire at him, and 
threw up the muskets with his svi'ord, but in vain, the fatal ball 
had sped ; eighty yards from the redoubt Warren received a 
musket ball through the head, which killed him instantly, secur- 
ing to him inmiortal fame, and the eternal giatilude of his 
country.* 

* Putnam remarked on the similarity of Lord Howe's fate, who fell hy his 
side 17 years before, and Gen. Warren's, both he had entreated in vain to keep 
out of the engagements in which they fell. 



46 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 

Col. Scammans arrived al last on Bunker Hill with part ol 
his Regiment, the remainder yet kept aloof under Maj. Wood, 
Putnam ordered these troops into action,, but it was too late, and 
they joined in the retreat. — Col. Whitcomb's men under Maj. 
Sawyer yet remained in the rear. Capt. Foster arrived on the 
top of Bunker Hill with bis field pieces, but rapidly retreated 
to save them from the enemy. 

Gardner's Reg. had now approached near the fort ; Major 
Jackson, who had served in the former war with the British, 
and was well aquainted with their officers, being in advance was 
immediately recognized by one of them as they issued 
from the redoubt, who indignantly accosted him witli " what, 
you damn'd Rebel are you here," and levelled his piece at him, 
Jackson at the same instant levelled at his antagonist, and they 
fired together ; the ball passed through Maj. Jackson's side, 
though his hfe was preserved by his sword belt, which partially 
glanced the ball, but nothing could save a British officer, fairly 
pitted against an American as a marksman, he was slain. 

The British came on, exhausted by their desperate efforts, 
under a blazing sun, and broken by the well diretced fire. 
They had not force to employ the bayonet, and were too much 
broken and mingled with the enemy to fire their pieces. Their 
right and left wings were indeed facing each other, with the 
Americans between ; their fire would have cut down both 
friend and foe. While they formed themselves anew, the 
Americans collected, and made a brave and orderly retreat. 
Putnam put spurs to his foaming horse and threw himself be- 
tween the retreating force and the enemy, who were but twelve 
rods from him ; his countrymen were in momentary expecta- 
tion of seeing this compeer of the immortal Warren fall. He 
entreated them to rally and renew the fight, to finish his works 
on Bunker Hill, and again give the enemy battle on that unas- 
sailable position, and pledged his honor to restore to them an 
easy victory. Lieut. Col. Ward reached the rail fence with 
a few troops, while some of his companies under Capts. Cush- 
ing. Smith, and Washburn, between Bunker and Breed's Hills, 
•courageously covered the retreat by a brave and well directed 
fire, they were joined by Capt. Lunt of Little's Regiment, just 
arrived, Capts. Chester and Coit with fresh troops, and other 
soldiers, whose ammunition was not expended. This despe- 
rate devoted rear guard, effectually kept the enemy at bay, 
but the laurels gained by them, were by no means bloodless, 
a great number of these troops were killed or wounded. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 47 

The Americans had retreated about twenty rods before the 
the enemy had time to rally and pour in a destructive fire on 
them, which destroyed more than they had lost before during 
the day. Prescotl's adjutant was shot and crippled, his Capts. 
Maxwell, Dow, and Farvvell, b^dly wounded, tlie latter carried 
off for dead ; Lt. Fawcett mortally wounded and fell into the 
hands of the enemy. Capt. Bancroft had a part of his hand 
carried off and his Lieut. Brown was wounded. 

The American left wing were congratulating themselves on 
their victory, when their flank was opened by the retreat of the 
right. The enemy pressed on them, and they were in their 
turn compelled to retire. Putnam covered their retreat with 
his Connecticut troops and others just arrived, and, in the 
rear of the whole, dared the utmost fury of the enemy, who 
pursued with litde ardor, but poured in their thundering vollies, 
and showers of balls fell like hail around the general. He ad- 
dressed himself to every passion of the tro(>ps, to persuade them 
to rally, to throw up his works on Bunker Hill, and make a stand 
there, and, threatened them with the eternal disgrace of desert- 
ing their general. He took his stand near a field-piece, and 
seemed resolved to brave the foe alone. His troops, however, 
felt it impossible to withstand the overwhelming force of the 
British bayonets ; they left him. One serjeant only dared to 
stand by his general to the last ; he was shot down, and the 
enemy's bayonets were just upon the general, when he retired. 

Gen. Pomeroy continued to animate the men, and cut down 
the enemy himself, till a well hove ball shattered his musket. 
The retreat having commenced, he disdained to turn from the 
enemy ; but with backward step and lowering front shouldered 
the fragments of his piece, and carried off his men, encour- 
aging them to pour in their formidable fire on the foe. 

Capt. Trevett, like Callender, was deserted by his men. 
His heutenants, Swasey and Gardner, stood by him, with but 
seven others, one of whom was Moses Porter, already a prom- 
ishig artillerist. He persuaded about thirty of the infantry to 
join in saving one of his pieces, the other he was compelled to 
abandon. A British company noticed the piece, and determin- 
ed to seize the prey ; they pursued, on the top of Bunker Hill 
were within thirty yards of them, levelled their muskets and 
fired. The captain gave up all for lost, when but one dropped 
dead, and another wounded, the remainder rapidly descended 
the hill, and carried off with honor the only piece saved out ot 
six taken to the field, Putnam ordered it to Cambridge. 



48 BUNKER IULL BATTLE. 

The CUarlestown company of Gardner's regiment was the 
last to retreat. They were fighting at their own doors, on 
their own natal soil. They were on the extreme left, covered 
by some loose stones thrown up on the shore of the Mystic, 
during the day, by order of Col. Stark. At this most impor- 
tant pass into the country, against which the enemy made the 
most desperate efforts, like Leonidas' band, they had taken 
post, and Hke them they defended it, till the enemy had dis- 
covered another. 

One piece of cannon at the neck opened on the enemy and 
covered the retreat.* But these were in no condition, and 
discovered no inclination to renew the engagement, or pursue 
their advantage, except by a formidable fire from their field 
pieces on Bunker Hill,f where they remained, and lay on their 
arms during the night. The same was done by most of the 
Americans on Prospect Hill, directly in the face of the enemy, 
and by Reed's and Starks' troops on Winter Hill. 

Maj. Brooks was retained at Cambridge by Ward, till the 
last reinforcements were sent to Charlestown, when he march- 
ed with the two remaining companies of his regiment, and met 
at the neck the Americans retreating. Benjamin Thompson, 
better known as Count Rumford, attended him as a volunteer. 
He was assisting the army by his mathematical learning, his 
estimates and surveys, but had solicited an appointment in vain, 
and had made great but fruitless interest for the commission in 
the artillery which was bestowed on Maj. Gridley.J For this 
gross injustice done to his disnnguished merit, his country suf- 
fered well deserved punishment iu the misconduct of his rival, 
and by the final loss of his services, except what they received, 
in common with all mankind, from his splendid philosophical 
discoveries, his glorious and beneficent political labors. 

Henry Knox, afterward the distinguished General, assisted 
NVard, as a volunteer, in reconnoitring the enemy's move- 
rjients during the day. 

M'Clary, as attentive to the wants of his men as desperate 
in fighting them, galloped to Medford, and returned with dres- 
sings for the wounded. He ordered Capt. Dearborn to ad- 
vance toward the neck with his company, while he crossed over 
ro reconnoitre the enemy. He was returning with Lieut. Col. 
Robinson and others, and observed that the shot commissioned 
to kill him was not yet cast, when a cannon ball from the Glas- 



' Gov. Brooks. 1 Dr. Dexter. t Gov. Brooks. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 49 

govv tore him to pieces. No smaller weapon seemed worthy 
to destroy the gigantic hero. 

The veteran Col. Gridley entered his sulky at Bunker Hill to 
be carried off. The enemy shot the horse, and riddled the 
sulky with balls ; but their rage was impotent ; meeting some 
obstruction in the road, he had left the carriage a moment be- 
fore. 

Prescott repaired to Cambridge, furious as a lion driven 
from his lair, foaming with indignation at the want of support 
when victory was in his grasp, — a victory dearly purchased 
with the precious blood of his soldiers, family, and sriends. 
He demanded but two fresh regiments of Ward, and pledged 
his life with these to drive the enemy to their boats. He had 
not yet done enough to satisfy himself, though he had done 
enough to satisfy his country. He had not indeed secured 
final victory, but he had secured a glorious immortality. 

Two young men in Boston were employed in taking the 
wounded from the boats to the hospitals ; and a young lieute- 
nant, shot through the body, was carried by them in a chair to 
his encampment, passing the streets, pale and faint with 
loss of blood, he attracted the humane and generous compas- 
sion shown by the inhabitants to the wounded ; enmity forgot- 
ten, they were all at their doors with refreshing drink for 
them. At the encampment they met Capt. Pitcairn covered 
with blood. Struck with the appearance, the lieutenant in- 
quired of him the cause, but his grief was too big for utterance, 
" vox faucibus hassit." A serjeant informed him, the captain's 
father was shot at the breastwork, and carried by his son to the 
boat, where he died in his arms. The hospital they found was 
established in a different place,"" to which they repaired, and 
witnessed a scene to melt the most obdurate enemy. Not 
only the hospital but the yard was overloaded with wounded, 
praying in vain for the surgeons to arrest the current of life, 
fast ebbing from their wounds, which, from their numbers, il 
was impossible, for a long time, to dress. 

Loud and melancholy wailings for the dead, from widows 
of the common soldiers, were heard in every street, and struck 
on the heart of the passenger. 

The American surgical department was quite unorganized,! 



♦ In the old factory opposite the granary. 

f The hospital was in the house now A. Bigelow, Esq.'s. Soon afterward it 
was removed to Mr Fairweather's, and nut under the supei inteudcnce of the 
poet and traitor, Dr. Church, who in one of his intercepted letters attrihutes 
the loss of the battle, to the cowardice of the clumsy Col. Gerrish and Col. 
Scammans. 

The above account of Maj. Jackson p. 46, is from Mr. Baldwin see Notes p. 1? 

7 



50 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 

Doct. Foster, of Charleslown, was principal surgeon ; many of 
the wounded were carried to a place of safety on the backs of 
their comrades, and the best litter for the highest officer was a 
blanket and rails. Doct. Eustis,* of the artillery, Doctors 
Thos. Kitteridge, Walter Hastings, Thos. Welsh, David Town- 
send, and Jno. Hunt, were in attendance this day, principally at 
a house under the western side of Bunker Hill ; they were join- 
ed by Lieut. Col. Bricketf a physician, who came off with the 
first of the wounded. Doct. Welsh was afterwards near Winter 
Hill, by which route the troops, who went to Cambridge, re- 
treated ; he and Sam'l Blodget assisted in arresting the retreat 
of the N. Hampshire troops. Col. Gardner was overtaken 
here by the flying soldiers, which roused him to make his last 
effort for his country ; with his feeble remains of strength he 
raised himself up by the rails on which he was carried, and 
beckoned them back to the fight. 

The number of the Americans during the battle was fluctu- 
ating, but may be fairly estimated at 3500 who joined in the 
battle, and 600 more who covered the retreat.| Their loss 
was one hundred and fifteen killed and missing, three hundred 
and five wounded, and thirty captured, in all four hundred and 
fifty. § The following was the estimated loss of the respec- 
tive corps : 

Regriments. Killed. Wounded. 

Colonels Stark and Reed 15 45 

Colonel Scammans 2 

— Gerrish 3 2 

Whitcomb 6 8 

Brewer 7 11 

Little 7 23 

Gardner 6 7 

Gridley • 4 



* Afterwards Secretary of War, Minister to Holland, and Gov. of Mass 
of uibune manners and respectable talents. 

t It is said Warren, as he went on, obtained his arms from liim. 

Dr. John Warren, brother to the General, hearing a runior of an approach- 
ing engagement, came from Salem to join the armv as a soldier on the day 
of the battle, was engaged as Hospital Surgeon, and much distinguished as 
such during the war. 

t The average numbers in a Regt according to the returns of 17 the 
author has, were 469. Great allowance must be made for those unable, and 
those unwilling, to go on ; the men went on or off as they pleased, and when 
they pleased. 

§ Gen. Ward's ord. book. 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 51 

Regiments. Killed. Wounded. 

General Putnam's regiment, ) 

Captain Coit, and / • • • 1^ ^^ 

Captain Chester's companies, ) 

General Ward 1 6 

Colonel Bridge 16 i9 

Prescott 42 28 

Frye 15 31 

Nixon 3 10 

Woodbridge 1 5 

Doolittle 9 

Providence newspaper, July 15, 1775. 

The British loss was about 1500,* Gage acknowledges but 
1054 ;f including eighty-nine officers ; two hundred and 
twenty-six killed, including nineteen officers, and eight hun- 
dred and twenty-eight wounded, seventy of them officers. The 
52d regt. lost 5 officers, four of them the highest in the regi- 
ment .; their only complaint was that they were wounded in the 
back. The marines lost six, and Howe's aid-de-camp ; and 
had 12 wounded. The grenadiers of the Welsh fusileers 
were reduced to eight, and twenty-two out of thirty-nine grena- 
diers of the fifty-second regiment were killed. AH the grena- 
diers fo one company were shot storming the works except five, 
and these were led on by the oldest soldier. J Lord Rawdon, 
afterwards Earl of Moira and Marquis of Hastings, led on a 
corps of grenadiers, and escaped with a ball or two through his 
cap.§ 

Stark's Capt. Baldwin, who had been in twenty actions, 
Nixon's Capt. Moses, and Lieuts. Dix of Gerrish's, West 
of Whitcomb's, and Bailey of Bridge's regiments, were killed ; 
Ward's Capt. Wood, Putnam's Lieut. Grosvenor, Stark's Lieut. 
Scott,|| and Little's serjeant afterwards Lieut. Pearson, wounded. 
Capt. Warner carried on but 23 men, 17 of them were killed or 
wounded. He received a ball through his hat, another through 
his waistcoat pocket which destroyed his knife handle, one 
through his coat, and, by a fourth, lost his gun, easily replaced 
now from those whicli had lost their owners. Capt. Coburn 
had two balls through his jacket, and ^ve through his shirt ; 
and Capt. Dullard's clothes were cut as remarkably, both were 



* Mass. Cong. 

t His crafty expression that he sent over, something above 2000 has de- 
ceived many. 

t Gentleman's Magazine for 1775 p. 397. 

§ Burgoyne says, " be behaved to a charm, his name is established forever.' 

II Not called Lieut, on record, but doubcless the same who was taken prisoner. 



52 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 

unhurt. After t^-e 'e reit, Col. Sargent was slightly wounded 
by a cannon I all, which carried off Lieut. Col. Ward's car- 
tridge box and knocke 1 down a subaltern. Many were in- 
jured, and Capt. Bancroft lost an eye, from the percussion of 
the air by cannon bails. Col. Nixon's life was saved by a dol- 
lar in his pocket, Judge Winthrop and James Swan, Esq. vol- 
unteered in the battle, fought valiantly with their muskets, and 
the former was uounded.* 

Thirty-one Americans, taken prisoners, were confined, offi- 
cers and men, in Boston jail. Washington complained to Gage 
of their treatment, who declared they fared as well as the Bri- 
tish,! though destined to the cord by the laws of the country ; 
but that, not acknowledging rank unless derived from the crown, 
he made no distinction in favour of officers. 

la this battle the British gained a nominal victory, but the 
Americans the only prize contended for ; they desiroyed en- 
tirely the physical and moral force of the British army, impris- 
oned them within their narrow limits, and prevented their ex- 
cursions. The enemy never after recovered their enterprise 
and confidence in America, and by this single battle the final 
success of the American revolution was secured. 

The Rev. Doct. Saml. Macclintock of Greenland, Chaplain 
of Stark's Reg. and in the war of '56 Chaplain of GofFe's Reg. 
was in tie battle of Bunker Hill, intrepidly by " his exhortations 
prayers and example encouraging and animating them to the 
uncc|in] conflict," 

* Philip Johnson, Esq. ti.en of Little's regiuifnt, was woimdefl. His Capt. 
PerMiis, lii)tlingit wssimI warm when they arrived at the neck, threw away his 
wi-;, and led his men over at single file, tlie mode generally adopted. 

Mr. Abbot, now posiiiiastei at Andover, received a ball through his leg- ; Mr. 
Barker cairied him off i a mile on his back. A ball passed through the body 
ol one man and wounded another in the knee ; the first recovered, the latter 
died. Braddish reci ived a ball in the back of his head or neck, which came 
out throu;;h his Corcliead, was cured, and served again. Gates's jaw 
was broken by a ball ; he served a year or two, tilt sent home as disabled, and 
has been compelled to dress his wound eveiy day for ^ a century. Another 
has worn a bidlet in his lejr the same length of time. The heart of Pollard, 
the first killed, continued beating for some time after it was cut ont of him by 
the cannon ball. 

Capt. Wheeler^ piinp: on, a 24-pound cannon shot passed between his legs 
on top of Bunker Hill, thi.>w him into the air, prostrated him, and broke his 
waistband stiing ; his katlitv smallclothes secuied him from further injury. 

Fear fastened on Capt. •** like ninht-mare ; heartily inclined to fight in 
the cause, and deeply mortified, it was impossible for him to break the spell. 
He honestly confessed his weakness ; a serjeant led on the company ; and 
against their unanimous wish, he resigned. ' 

f Boston suffered extremely from want of fresh provisions ; owin<^ to which 
many of the prisoners and British died. A present, (rem Putnam to Gen. 
Gage's lady, of a «]uarter of veal, was of consequence enongh to be recorded 
in the newspapers. The respe< ted Master Lovell was imprisoned, and after- 
wards carried to Halifax, on account of his letters found on Gen. Warren. 

The Americans used no colors, and the British neither colors nor music 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 53 



SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTER. 



Ward was appointed by the National Congress first major 
general and second in command of the army. He assumed 
the coinmand of the right wing at Roxbury on the arrival of 
Washington, 2d July, by whom his disposition of the troops 
around Boston was approved.* From ill health he resigned his 
commission in April. '76, but continued in command at the re- 
quest of Washington and Congress till March '77. He was af- 
terwards in Congress under the old confederation and present 
constitution, and died in 1800, aged 73. f 

Thomas was appointed first Brig. Gen. under the United 
States ; in '76 Maior Gen. and on the death of Montgomery 
repaired to Canada to command the army before Quebec. 
He found their situation desperate ; but was too adventurous 
to relinquish the enterprise without one attenjpt to secure the 
fav^ours of fortune. He endeavoured to burn the enemy's naval 
force before the city by a fire ship, designing to attack the 
place during the conflagration; the fire ship miscarried, he was 
compelled to retreat, and died of the small pox at Chamblee. 

Pomeroy expressed his strong sense of the blindness of for- 
tune, that, of the two volunteer generals in the battle, Warren, 
the young and chivalrous soldier, the eloquent and enlightened 
legislator, should fall, and he escape, old and useless, unhurt. 
From age he declined the honourable appointment of first Brig. 
Gen. of the U. S. army, and retired from service. But, like 
the veteran war horse, when the echoes of his majestic Connec- 
ticut rang with the clarion of battle, he spurned the peaceful re- 
treat which his long life and long services demanded. He 
preferred even a regiment to inaction, and as a colonel march- 
ed to join the kindred spirits who composed our army in the 
Jerseys. His exposures produced a pleurisy, which proved 



* Marshall, 242. 

t Two days after the battle he informed Mass. Congress, that sppars might 
have saved the redoubt, the army were immediately supplied with them ; and 
they were kept greased to prevent their being efi'ectually gi iisped by thr ene- 
my. Ward's Aid de camp was Sanil. Osgood, his Secretary Jos. Ward, aittr- 
wards a highly respected Muster-raaster-general during most of the war under 
Washingtorj. 



64 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 

fatal at Peekskill in New York, where his country owes liim a 
monument, and bravery and patriotism perennial fame. 

When Putnam* was ordered on what may well be styled a 
forlorn hope, to land with a detachment at Boston, in face of 
the army and batteries of the enemy, Prescott solicited of him 
the honor of participating the desperate enterprise, which was 
arrested however by a hurricane, and the enemy were expelled 
from a different quarter. The Col. continued in service, accom- 
panied Washington to New York, and on the disastrous retreat 
through the Jerseys, was the only officer able to keep his men 
in the ranks. They proved worthy the hero of Bunker Hill, 
and kept the enemy in respect ; Washington applauded them 
as an example to the army, and tendered his thanks to the Col. 
in general orders. In '77 he joined Gen. Gates with a corps of 
volunteers, and continued with him till the capture of Bur- 
goyne. 

On the return of peace he again entered the state legislature, 
and distinguished himself in '87 as a magistrate, as he did in '75 
as a warrior. From the miseries and poverty produced by 
war, many of the sufferers in Massachusetts were driven to an 
armed opposition to government ; this enlightened patriot em- 
ployed his powerful influence to stay the torrent of insurrection ; 
he collected his friends and proceeded to Concord armed to 
protect the court there against the insurgents. He was reli- 
gious and died, 1790, in the 70th year of his age. 

Immediately after the battle, the rank of major general was 
conferred on Gridley. America commenced her revolution 
with but four pieces of cannon, and to his mechanical science 
and ingenuity she was indebted for the first mortars and cannon 
ever cast in the country. After being confined some months by 
his wound, he repaired to Cambridge and superintended the 
fortifications erecting round Bos on. On the 4th March, ^76, 
he was again engaged in erecting fortifications in the night, and 
the address, science, and prodigies of labour, displayed at Dor- 
chester Heights, were perhaps never exceeded, except on 
Breed's Hill. These works compelled the enemy to evacuate 
Boston, the heights and the islands of which, were fortified by 
Gridley. Washington urged him to accompany the army, but 
his advanced age forbade, and he retired on half pay. In '1)5 
he assisted in laying the corner stone of the state house, as in 
laying that of the state in '75, and lived to the age of 86, a 



* Putnam ronitnrnced thr> for<8kations at Prospect Kill, ar.d after Washing- 
ion's ai rival, at Lechineic Point likewise, and Cobble Hill, tlie nork at fh? 
last place was rjameil Putnam's impregnable Fort. 



BUNKEK HILL BATTLE. 5t) 

model of courtliness, beneficence, and hospitality, as well as 
military excellence. 

Stark will be recognized as the hero of Bennington, where 
he practised an ingenious deception to strike a panic into the 
enemy. He had one iron cannon, but neither powder sufficient 
for it, nor balls ; he ordered an officer to load it, who objected 
the want of balls ; " no matter," said the colonel, " load it 
" with blank cartridge, and let the discharge be the signal for 
" all the troops to rush on." The Hessians were panic-struck 
at the thundering report, his troops rushed on with loud hurras, 
and the victory was complete.* 

The veteran Col. Jos. Frye, brother to James, had served 
with reputation in the wars of '45, and '56, commanded all the 
Mass. forces in '57, f was captured at fort Wm. Henry, stripped 
naked, and gashed with tomahawksj in the subsequent massa- 
cre ; was appointed Maj. Gen. by JNlass. Congress, 21 June 
'75, served some time afterwards, and died very old at Frye- 
burgh, named after his family. 

Col. Gardner hved a few days after the battle, being asked 
if he was well enough to see his son, " yes," answered the 
hero, " if he has done his duty." He had the satisfaction to 
see him, and learn that he bravely distinguished himself. 

The hfe of Brooks since the battle of Bunker Hill has been 
far too distinguished in the military and political history of 
America to be noticed satisfactorily in a supplement. His 
regiment, when Washington arrived at Cambridge, was distin- 
guished for its superior disciphne, and Gates pronounced him 
one of the first disciphnarians in service. He was appointed 
first inspector of the army under Steuben, and afterwards Adj. 
Gen. for the army on the North River, and was distinguished in 
nearly all the important battles of the revolution. He was in 
the battle on Long Island with the reinforcement, and in that 
of White Plains ; history has recorded him among the most dis- 
tinguished commanders in the army which captured Burgoyne ; 
and he was in the battle of Monmouth as Adj. Gen. From 
their earhesl acquaintance, he was a favourite of Washington, 
enjoyed his uniform friendship, and was honourably distinguish- 
ed, from being selected by him as one of the general officers, to 
serve with him again in '98. During the last war he had the su- 



* His statement to Hon. Tim. Bigelow. 
t lV!inot2. 16. 

i He. was opposed to the surrender, and his officers presented him a piece 
of plate for his courage and coaduct on this uccssion. 



66 BUNKER HILL BATTLE 

perintendenceof the militia of Mass. and secured the country from 
inroads of the enemy. For many years he was elected gover- 
nor and commander in chiet of Massachusetts, to t)ie universal 
satisfaction of all parties. Over the libeities and free constitu- 
tions he established as a warrior, he presided as a legislator with 
distinguished abihty. In 1823 he declined a reelection, and 
died in '25 universally lamented. 

The brave Knowlton, from tlie first moment of the battle to 
the last of the retreat, showed himself worthy the honour of 
being selected as the first among the Connecticut captains. 
He was promoted, and on the night of 8th of Jan. went, in 
command of 200 men, directly under the enemy's batteries, 
and burned some houses left standing near the neck, killed or 
captured the British in them, and came off without loss under 
a heavy fire. He was afterwards Lieut. Col. and at the bat- 
tle of Harlem heights, was sent by Washington to gain the ene- 
my's rear ; a bloody action ensued ; Knowlton and his men 
fought the whole force of the enemy, of vastly superior num- 
bers, before the Americans could attack in front, and gained 
the advantage. By this gallant affair, he restored to the army, 
a glorious, moral force, nearly extinguished by disasters ; but at 
the expense of many of his brave men in the unequal contest ; 
his Major Leitch was slain, with three balls through him, and 
the victory was dearly purchased with his own invaluable life. 
Washington paid due honour to his memory in general orders, 
declaring, " he had died a glorious death, which every soldier 
" ought to wish for, and would have been an honour to any 
" country on earth." 

The indignation felt by Prescott, at the loss of the battle, 
was general, in the army and throughout the country ; a scru- 
tiny, severe and unrelenting, was instituted into the conduct of 
every one who could be suspected. Even the dangerous and 
honourable wounds of Bridge were insufficient to secure him 
from passing the ordeal of a court ; from whose relentless se- 
verity he narrowly escaped condemnation, on the charge of 
keeping under cover too cautiously in the redoubt. 

iXotwithstanding this severe inquisition, and the great num- 
ber of Americans engaged, most of them for the the first time, 
five only were discovered guilty of misconduct. Of these, 
Maj. Gridley was tried for neglect of duty. Gen. Green presid- 
ing, the court *' find him guilty of breach of orders, and there- 
" fore dismiss him from the Massachusetts service ; but on ac- 
" count of his inexperience and youth, and the great confusion 
" which attended that day's transaction in general, they do not 



BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 5T 

" consider him incapable of a Continental commission, should 
" the general officers recommend him to his Excellency."* 

Mansfield was obviously guilty of an error only, arising from 
inexperience ; he was cashiered. Col. Gerrish evinced cer- 
tainly a want of military ardor and activity, but this was in part 
a constitutional defect. He was not accused before the com- 
mittee of Congress by Gen. Putnam, and in the opinion of the 
highly respected judge advocate of the court was far too harsh- 
ly treated. f 

A complaint was lodged against him with Ward immediately 
after the battle, who refused to notice it on account of the 
unorganized state of the army. He was stationed at Sewall's 
point, which was fortified ; in a few weeks a floating battery 
made an attack on the place, which he did not attempt to 
repel, observing, " the rascals can do us no harm, and it would 
" be a mere waste of powder, to fire at them with our 4 
" pounders ;" it was evening, the lights were extinguished, and 
all the British balls flew wide of the fort. For his conduct on 
this occasion, and at Bunker Hill he wixs arrested immediately, 
tried, found guilty of " conduct unworthy an officer," and 
cashiered. 

Capt. Callender apparently guilty of cowardice is a glorious in- 
stance of the buoyancy of genuine heroism, and the redeeming ef- 
ficacy of the "mind conscious of rectitude." The furious denun- 
ciation of Putnam, the sentence of court, and thundering proscrip- 
tion of Washington, would have crushed any one forever, not 
armed with a panoply so divine. A committee of Congress ap- 
pointed to inquire into the truth of a report, that some officers of 
the army had been guilty of misconduct ; report, that they had 
made inquiry of Gen. Putnam and other officers who were in the 
hottest of the battle, and that the general charged Capt. Callen- 
der and another artillery officer, with infamous cowardice, one 
of the principal causes of the defeat, and informed them that 
he would quit the service if these officers were not made an ex- 
ample of, and that one of them ought to be shot. The court 
martial condemned Callender, and Washington approved the 
judgment, " not only from the particular guilt of Capt. Callen- 
" der, but the fatal consequence of such conduct to the army, 
" and to the cause of America in general." 

Notwithstanding this, our hero resolved to compel the world 
to acknowledge, by his future conduct, that his past had been 
mistaken. He continued with his corps as a volunteer, and 
desperately exposed himself in every action. The brave and 
beneficent Knox extended to him his friendship. At the bat- 
tle on Long Island, the Capt. and Lieut, of the artillery com- 
pany, in which he served, were shot ; he assumed the com- 
mand, and refusing to retreat, fought his pieces to the last ; 

* Ord. Book. + Judge Tudor. 

8 



58 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 

the bayonets of the soldiers were just upon him, when a Brit-^ 
ish officer, admiring his chivah'ous and desperate courage, inter- 
fered and saved him. Washington expressed the highest ap- 
probation of his conduct, gave him his hand and his cordial 
thanks ; ordered the sentence of the court martial to be erased 
from the orderly book, and restored him his commission. He 
lield this during the war, and left service at the peace, with the 
highest honour and reputation.* 

Capt, Dearborn was afterwards distinguished during the re- 
volutionary war for his bravery and enterprise. He volunteered 
at the head of a company of men, selected from the regiment 
to accompany Arnold, in the winter of '75, through the track- 
less wilds, to Quebec ; an enterprise, which, in daring hardi- 
hood and courage, is not surpassed by Hannibal's passage of 
the Alps. He commanded a battalion of Lt. infantry at Sara- 
toga, and his services were acknowledged by Gates in the high- 
est terras of approbation. Cilley's regiment in which he was 
Lieut. Col. was highly distinguished in the battle of Monmouth, 
and the salvation of tiie army was owing to their courage. 
Washington acknowledged the service, and sent to inquire what 
regiment it was. " Full blooded yankees by . . . sir," was 
the answer of the commander. Dearborn was afterward sec- 
retary at war under Jefferson ; and during the last war first 
major general and senior ofticer of the army. 

F orter, who stood by his captain and cannon to the last, 
rose through every grade of office, to be a distinguished Gen. 
in the army. He was intrusted with the command at Norfolk, 
the last war, and in 1818 was at Boston in command of the 
district which in '75 as a private he so bravely defended. 

Howe, notwithstanding his wound, remained on the field the 
whoje night, watching the movements of the enemyj supporting 
himself against some hay, he ordered his attendants to prevent 
him from falling asleep. 

In the morning young Winslowf of Boston, recognised the 
body of Warren, and announced the fact. Howe would 
scarcely credit the account ; it was so improbable that the 
president of Congress was in the battle. Dr. Jeffries was on 
the field dressing the British wounded, and the wounded Amer- 
ican prisoners, with his usual humanity and skill. Howe in- 
quired of him if he could identify Warren ; he recollected that 
he had lost a finger nail and wore a false tooth, and informed 
the general that Warren had five days before ventured over to 
Boston in a canoe to get information, invited Jeffries to join the 
Americans as surgeon, and informed him that he was himself to 
receive a commission in the army. Warren was instantly 
jfecognised, and the enemy declared this victim alone was worth 
fiv€ hundred of their men. 

t Lt. Wopdward was also found guilty of iniscoDdu(;t. t Gen. Winslpyy 



25 

Note K. 

Robert Steele fofDedham) drummer, beat yankee doodle on the 
day of the battle^ was drum m;ijor during the war, instructed by 
Steuben, received two badges of merit, and had the honour of carrying 
every flag while the army were opposed to Burgoyne. On 17th 
June last, he had the satisfaction of beating the same tune, on the same 
spot, f;)r the procession which laid the cornerstone of a monument to 
commemorate the engagement, and of meeting 200 of his surviving 
companions in the battle on the same day, who all declared it the hap- 
piest of their lives. Parks, (of Cambridge) who blew the ear-piercing 
fife for Gardner's reg., afterwards fife major in the army, says yankee 
doodle was first employed at this time, being introduced by the 
British to ridicule the yankees. Parks' talents are still in requisition 
as an accomplished fifer, and by labour and industry he has honora- 
bly educated and maintained his family of 25 children. 



Note L. 

Frost says, we fought behind some stones we threw up, on the shore 
of the Mystic ; I received a ball through the hip, and could not re- 
treat, but crept in among the British wounded. In the morning 1 
was discovered, and an officer ordered me to be carried to the fort ; 
the soldiers damned me and threatened to run me through if I did 
not rise and walk, but T was too stiff to move. They hauled me about 
till I became more limber, I took hold of their shoulders, hopped to 
the fort, was confined in Boston jail, and carried to Halifax ; in abouT^ 
a year, broke jail and went to R, Island to enlist again, but they 
would not accept me on account of my lameness. 



Note M. 

Gen. Winslow stated, a contribution was made in the army for 
Salem and he was presented to Washington as having slain Pitcairn, 
who was kilkd on the British left, according to all authorities. De 
Berniere places his marines there opposed to some houses near the re- 
doubt and the " Conduct of the war, &c." says he was shotfiom some 
Charlestown houses. Four balls were lodged in him. He was much 
beloved in Boston, and the English papers contain the highest eulogies 
on him as a gentleman, soldier, husband and father. When slain, 
his son in agony exclaimed " I've lost my father," his soldiers ceased 
firing, and responded with that most eloquent eulogy "we've all of us 
lost a father." His family were pensioned, and his son promoted 
before his turn in his father's corps. 

Many northern blacks were excellent soldiers, but southern troops 
could not brook an equality with negroes. Nov. 15, 1775, Washing- 
ton prohibited their enlistment. Besides Salem, Cuffee Whittemore 
fought bravely in the redoubt. He had a ball through his hat on 
Bunker Hill, fought to the last, and when compelled to retreat, though 
wounded, the splendid arms of the British officers were prizes too 
tempting for him to come off empty handed, he seized the sword of 
one of thera slain in the redoubt, and came ofi" with the trophy, which 



26 

na few days he unromantically sold. He served faithfully through 
he war, with many hair-breadth 'scapes from sword and pestilence. 

It was not till the 29th June, that some other coloured allies joined 
the Americans, principally out of respect to Putnam, some Indian 
warriors from Canada ; but they were unmanageable and soon dis- 
missed. 

Col. James Reed, a highly respectable officer, was stationed at Ti- 
conderoga, in '76, and took the small pox, by which he lost his 
eye-sight for life. Col Stark was dissatisfied at Col. Poor's being 
promoted to a brigadier gen. over him, and his letter to congress, com- 
plaining of it, not being noticed, he left the service, joined the N. H. 
militia as Brig Gen. marched with these troops to protect the fron- 
tiers, independently of the national army, and gained his famous vic- 
tories. Congress had resolved that the instructions which he had re- 
ceived were destructive of military subordination, but they now in- 
quired of him why he did not inform them of his success. He an- 
swered that his correspondence with them was closed, as they had 
not attended to his last letters ; they presented their thanks to him^ 
his officers and troops, and promoted him to a Brigadier General. 

The excessive variations in the military career of Col. Nixon are 
scarcely paralleled ; those only of Col. Morgan perhaps can be com- 
pared with them. We believe, when he first entered service, a mere 
lad, he was tempted by two other soldiers much older than himself to 
desert, thfy were taken and condemned to be shot, but on account 
of his youth the platoon was ordered to fire at the two others only, 
and spare him. He fell senseless at the shock, and was afterward a 
brave Brig. Gen. But in the new organization of the army, at the 
latter part of the war, was left out of service. 

Putnam's Capt , now Col. Clark, having been promoted, is the old- 
est surviving soldier of the battle, being 9.'J, his bodily and mental 
powers are in astonishing preservation, he was one of the most hvely 
of those at the celebration in June last, and his son, 64, was kept away 
by old age. 

The oath for Offi and men was to serve faithfully in the Mass army for 
defence and security of estates, lives and liberties of the good people 
of this and sister Colonies against ministerial tyranny, and to all other 
enemies and opposers,&c to adhere to rules and regulations of army, 
obey officers over them, and disclose to said officers any conspiracies, 
attempts, &c. against said army or colonies. 

Besides the N. H. troops already mentioned, a large company, 110, 
went from Exeter the day after Lexington battle, and staid at Cam- 
bridge 10 days, till recalled to guard the seaboard. John T. Gilman, 
afterward in the continental congress, and for 14 years Governor oif 
N. Hampshire, went with these troops. 

Gov. Brooks's declaration, page 23, line 5., was not taken in writing. 

Wounded and made Prisoners. Serjeant Robt. Phelps, Phineas IVevers, Ol- 
iver Stevens, Danl. M'Grath, John Perkins, Amasa Fisk, Daniel Sessions, 
Jona. Norton, Philip J. Peck, Benj. Bigelow, Benj. Wilson, Archibald M'Fntosh, 
David Kemp. John Deland, Lawrence Sullivan, Timothy Kettle, Wm Robinson, 
Benj. Ross, John Dillon, Wm. Keucb, Jas. Dodge, Wm, RoUinson, John Lord, 
.Tas. Milliken, Steph Foster. 



27 



a 



&.■'-> « 



tC. i°t^-.£~-Z 



'^1| 1^1 II I III nil 1^! ^ l^^iU 



' 0) S- '"•a. 



§■5 ES g" s^ o wSc:-S.«; -go .o o * eS-s^jS^^^* 

Mgg~;=| osi.2 2 rfg :§ §145 Sols Bgs^g 2"^ ■S5=-S§,sg^ 

OS£ = q ^^-5.2 af = :^ _ g « c ^ -a! c «: J g ^ = O -A.^ = S ^• 



a 'P 

■S "3 






Wi->i»WriWfflS 



i-=2l||sili:i Ui 1 i li^s 

DB _ a 






«3^ 



So 



1, ;3 "g a •;: g 



5li« 









§K| ;3 s i>.g Ji fcs p i gil^ §111 






■5 -^ 5 -g o 3 



S= S ^±-S ?, 






>>.M 55 . ^ Ji 



;? a 



•S •§ ^ ■« o Id 

o I"! as BS a C • H 

£"« 3 o M HsHISflJaJ S . ft< i_l i-5 12; <j W "^ ^ W N in t-i M .^ i-, w H "n r* M 

g-§sio'« e 13".=:= S„ ,>M- -! 






28 



•s = o 



<u ^ 




«E ;g 2 :^ e § J 6 § j|-£ t E 5 I § ""^ = If ^-i = I S |f f!" = I f 

GAGE S OFFICIAL ACCOUNT. 

An alarm was given at break of day, on the 17th inst. by a firing from the 
Lire/_^ ship of war ; and advice was soon afterward received that the rebels 
had broke ground, and were raising a battery on the heights of the peninsula 
of Charlestown, against the town of Boston. They were plainly seen at work, 
and, in a few hours, a battery of six guns played upon their works. Prepara- 
tions were instantly made for landing a body of men to drive them off; and 
ten cempanies of the grenadiers, ten of light infantry, with the 5th, 38th, 43d, 
and o'2d battalions, with a proportion of field artillery, under the command of 
major general Howe, and brigadier general Higot, were embarked with great 
Expedition, and landed on the peninsula without opposition, under the protec- 
tion of some ships of war., armed vessels, and boats, by whose fire the rebels 
were kept within their works. The troops formed as soon as landed ; the light 
infantry posted on the right, and the grenadiers upon their left. The 5th, and 
38th battalions drew up in the rear of those corjts. and the 43d and 52d bat- 
talions make a third line. Tiie rebels upon the heights were perceived to be 
in great force, and strongly posted A redoubt was thrown up on the 16th, 
at night, with other works, full of men, defended with cannon, and a large 
body posted in the houses in Charlestown, covered their right flank ; and 
their center and left were covered by a breast-work, part of it cannoo- 
proof, which reached from the left of the redoubt to the Mvstick or Medforil 
river. This appearance of the rebels' strength, and the large columns seen 
pouring in to their assistance, occasioned an application for the troops to be 
reinf()rce<l with some companies of li<^ht infantry and grenadiers, the 47th 
battalion, and the 1st battalion of marines ; the whole when in conjunction, 
making a body of something above 2000 men. These troops advanced, form- 
ed in two lines, and the attack began by a sharp cannonade from the field pie- 
ces and the howitzers, the lines advancing slowly, and frequently halting to 
give time for the artillery to fire. The light infantry was directed to force the 
left point of the breast-work, to take the rebel line in flank, and the grenadiers 
to attack in front, supported by the 5th and 52d battalions. These orders were 
executed with perseverance, under a heavy fire from the vast numbers of the 
rebels; and notwithntanding various impediments before the troops could 
reach the works, and though the left, under brigadier general Pigot, was en- 
gaged also with the rebels at ChVirlestovvn, which, at a critical moment, was 
set on fire, the brigadier pursued his point, and carried the redoul^t. 

The rebels were then forced from other strong holds, and pursued till they 
were driven clear off the peninsula, leaving five pieces of cannon behind them. 
The loss the rebels sustained must have been considerable, from the great 
numbers they carried off during the tinre of action, and i;urieii in holes, since 
discovered ; exclusive of what they suffered by the shinpinff smd bnats ; near 
100 were buried the day after, and thirty found woundi'd, in the field, three of 
which are since dead. I inclose your lord.'ihip a return of the killed an 1 wound- 
ed of his majesty's troops. This action has shown tiie s-iperiority of the Kng's 
troops, who, under every disadvantage, attacked and defeated iibove three 
rime; their own number, strongly posted and covered by bieast-works. 



^0 

The conduct of major general Howe was conspicuous on this occasion, and 
his pxample inspirited the troops, in which inaj. gen. Clinion assisted, who fol- 
followed the reinforcement. And in justice to brig. gen. Pigot, J am to add, 
that (he success of the day must, in great measuie, be attributed to his firmness 
and gallantry. Lieut, cols. Nesbilt, Abercrombie, and Clarke; Majors Butler, 
Williams, Bruce, Spondlovc, Smelt, Mitchell, Pitcairn and Short, exerted 
themselves remarkably ; and the valour of the British officers and soldiers in 
general, was at no time more conspicuous than in this action. 

Killed and wounded. 1 Lieut, col., 2 majors, 7 captains, 9 lieutenants, 15 
Serjeants, 1 drummer, 191 rank and file, killed. 3 Majors, 27 captains, 33 
lieutenants, 8 ensigns, 40 Serjeants, 12 drummers, 700 rank and file, wounded. 

MASSACHUSETTS CONGRESS ACCOUNT. 

In obedience to the order of the general congress, this committee have in- 
quiied into the premises, and, upon the best information obtained, find, that 
the commanders of the New England ariny had, about the fourteenth ult le- 
ceived advice that general Gage had issued orders for a party of the troops 
under his command to post themselves on Bunker's hill, a promontory just at 
the entrance of the peninsula at Charlestown, which orders were soon to be 
executed ; upon which it was determined, with the advice of this committee 
to send a party, who might erect some fortifications upon the said bill, and de- 
feat the design of our enemies. Accordingly, on the 16th ult., orders were 
issued that a detachment of one thousand men should that evening march to 
Charlestown, and intrench upon that hill Just before nine o'clock thev left 
Cambridge, and proceeded to Breed's Hill, situated on the further part of the 
peninsula, next to B«ston, (for by some mistake this hill was marked out for 
the intrenchraent instead of the other.) Many things being necessary to be 
done preparatory to the intrenchmenls being thrown up, which could "not be 
done before, lest the enemy should discover and defeat the design, it was near- 
ly twelve o'clock before the works were entered upon. They were then carried 
on with the utmost diligence and alacrity ; so that by the dawn of day they 
had thrown up a small redoubt about eight rods square. At this time a 
heavy fire began from the enemy's ships, a number of flontin^ batteries and 
from a fortification of the enemy's, upon Copp's Hill, in Boston, directly op- 
posite our little redoubt. An incessant shower of shot and bombs was rained 
by these upon our works. The Americans continued to labour indefatigiibiy 
till they had thrown up a small breastwork, extending from the east side of 
the redoubt to the bottom of the hill, but were prevented con.pleting it hy the 
intolerable fire of the enemy. Between twelve and one o'clock, a number of 
boats and barges, filled with the regular troops from Boston, were observed 
approaching towards Charlestown ; these troops landed at a place called 
Moreton's Point, situated a little to the eastward of owr works. This bi'^^^ade 
formed upon their landing, and stood thus formed till a second detacbinent 
arrived from Boston to join them; having sent out large flank guaids, il ey 
began a very slow march towards our lines. At this instant, smoke and dames 
were seen to arise from the town of Charlestown, which had been set on fire 
by the enemy, that the smoke might cover their attack upon our lin»s, and 
perhaps with a design to rout or destroy one or two of our regiments v\ ho had 
been posted in that town. If either of these was their design, they were dis- 
appointed ; for the wind shifting on a sudden, carried the smoke another way 
and the regiments were already removed. Our troops, within their intrerch- 
ments, impatiently awaited the attack of the enemy, and reserved their fire 
till they came within ten or twelve rods, and then began a furious discharge of 
small arms. This fire arrested the enemy, which they for some time returned 
without advancing a step, and then retreated in disorder and with great pre- 
cipitation to the place of landing, and some of them sought refuge even within 
their boats. Here the officers were observed by the spectators on the opposite 
shore, to run down to them, using the most passionate gestures, and pushing 
the men forward with their swords. At length they were rallied, and march- 
ed up, with apparent reluctance, towards the intrenchmerts ; the Americans 
again reserved their fire until the enemy came within five or sis rods, and a 
second time put the regulars to flight, who ran in great confusion towards their 
boats. Similar and superior exertions were now necessarily made by the offi- 
cers, which, notwithstanding the men discovered an almost insuperable reluc- 
tance to fighting in this cause, were again successful. They formed once 
more, and havirrg brought some cannon to bear in si^ch a manner as to rake 
the inside of the breast-work, from one end of it to the other, our troops re- 
treated within their little fort. The ministerial army now made a decisive 



30 

effort. The fire from the ships and batteries, as well as from the cannon in 
the front of their army, was redoubled The officers in the rear of their 
army were ohservetl to goad forward the men with renewed exertions, and they 
attacked the redoul'l on tliree sides at once. The breast-wr>rk on the outside 
of the fort was abandoned ; our ammunition was expended, and but few of our 
troops had bayonets to affix to their muskets. Can it then be wondered that 
the word was given by the coiTim.inder of the party to retreat ? but this he 
delayed till the redoubt was half filled with regulars, aud our troops had kept 
the enemy at bay some lime, confronting theui with the butt end of their mus- 
kets, the retreat of this little handful of brave men would have been efi'i-ctually 
cut ofl", had it not hajjpened that the flanking party of the enemy, which was to 
have come upon the back of the redoubt, was checked by a party of our men, 
who fought with the utmost bravery, and kept them from advancing farther 
than the beach ; the engagement of these two parties was kept up with the 
utmost vigour ; and it must be acknowledged that this party of the ministerial 
troops evinced a courage worthy of a better cause : all their efforts however 
•♦re insufficient to compel their equally gallant opponents to retreat, till their 
main body had left the hill ; perceiving this was done, they then gave ground, 
but with more regularity than could be expected of troops who had no longer 
been under discipline, and many of whom never before saw an engagement. 

In this retreat the Americans had to pass over the neck which joins the 
peninsula of Charlestown to the main land. This neck was commanded by the 
Glasgow man of war, and two floating batteries, placed in such a manner as 
that their shot raked every part of it. The incessant fire kept up across this 
neck had, from the beginning of the engagement, prevented any considerable 
reinforcements from getting to our troops on the hill, and it was feared it 
tvould cut offtheir retre»t, but they retired over it with little or no loss. 

With a ridiculous parade of triumph, the ministerial generals again took 
possession of the hill which had served them as a retreat in flight from the 
battle of Concord. It was expected that they would prosecute the supposed 
advantage they had gained, by marching immediately to Cambridge; which 
was distant but two miles, and which was not then in a state of defence. This 
they failed to do. The wonder excited by such conduct soon ceased, when, by 
the best accounts from Boston, we are told, that of 3000 men who marched out 
upon this expedition, no less than 1500 (ninety-two of whom were commission- 
ed officers) were killed or wounded ; and about 1200 of tlien* either killed or 
mortally wounded. Such a slaughter was perhaps ne»er before made upon 
British troops in the space of about an hour, during which the heat of the en- 
g;igeraent lasted, by about 1.50C» men, which were the most that were at any 
time engaged on the American side. The loss of the New England army 
amounted, according to an exact return, to 145 killed and missing, and 304 
wounded : thirty of the first were wounded and taken prisoners by the enemy. 
Among the dead was major general Joseph VVakren, a man whose memory 
tvill be endenred to his countrymen, and to the worthy in every part and age of 
the world, so long as virtue and valour shall be esteemed among mankind. The 
heroic colonel Gardner, of Cambridge, has since died of his wounds ; and 
the brave lieutenant colonel Parker of Chelmsford, who was wounded and 
taken prisonor, perished in Boston gaol. These three, with major Moore, and 

PH^ "major M'CIary, who nobly struggled in the cause of their country, were the 

'.- only officers of distinction which we lost. Some officers of great worth, though 

inferior in rank, were killed, whom we deeply lament. But the officers and 

^» soldiers in general, who were wounded, are in a fair way of recovery. The 
town of Charlestown, the buildings of which were large and elegant, and which 

>0 contained effects belonging to the unhappy suflerers in Boston, to a very great 
amount, was entirely <lestroyed, and its chimnies and cellars now present a 
prospect to the Americans, exciting an indignation in their bosoms, which 
nothing can appease but the sacrifice of those miscreants, who have introduecd 

■J horror, desolation, and havoc into these once happy abodes of liberty, peace, 

'/^ and plenty. We wish for no farther effusion of blood, if the freedom and 
peace of America can be secured without it ; but if it must be otherwise, we 
are determined to struggle. We disdain life without liberty. 

Oh Britons ! be wise for yourselves before it is too late ; and secure a 
friendly intercourse with the American colonies ; disarm your ministerial as- 
sassins ; put an end to this unnatural war, and suffer not any rapacious despots 
to amuse you with the unprofitable ideas of your right to tax and officer the 
colonies, till the most profitable and advantageous trade you have is sacrificed. 
Be wise for yourselves, and the Americans will contribute to and rejoice in your 
prosperity. J. Palmer, per order. 












" o ^ -<i> 







"^0^ 



• <^^ 



>^ o_ 


















^^ *-..«* 


















.^ 




^■^ >* »* jfe-. \>^%'' .'JS&I&'- "^^ .■^* * 








A^ t, o " 











LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



011 800 477 2 



